Africa: Focus On Private Sector - Female Suppliers Drive Profits

28 July 2015

The UN Global Compact and UN Women announced last month that 1,000 companies have signed up to their Women's empowerment principles. These seven principles, launched in 2010 with 39 companies, require businesses to take steps to advance gender equality throughout their operations. The 1,000-strong group spans diverse sectors, from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals, with many operating across the global South.

While several principles - such as cracking down on harassment and promoting female managers - echo previous gender equality campaigns, one initiative stands out as unique. Principle 5, on enterprise development, includes a commitment for companies to source supplies from women-owned businesses.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.