Overcoming Challenges to Gender Equality in the Workplace

The private sector is recognized as a critical partner to unleashing the full potential of women and girls.Overcoming Challenges to Gender Equality in the Workplace expertly lays out the business case for gender equality backing up statements with thorough research and inspiring international company examples. The mission of the book is aligned with the Women's Empowerment Principles, a joint initiative of the UN Global Compact and UN Women which provide guidance to business on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Drawing expertise from a diverse group of experts and practitioners, the insights provided in the book would be of great value to companies at the beginning stages of establishing a gender equality strategy, companies that are looking for new innovative approaches to strengthen their existing efforts, as well as non-business stakeholders that are interested in learning how business can contribute to gender equality. -- Ursula Wynhoven, Chief, Legal Officer and Chief, Governance and Social Sustainability at the UN Global Compact. While gender inequality continues to exists modern societal values are changing and gender equality is widely recognized as a fundamental human right. This second volume builds on the momentum of the PRME Working Group on Gender Equality and outlines some of the main voids for gender equality in the workplace, as well as valuable insight on how to deal with them. The book makes a strong and unequivocal business case for gender diversity and equality in organizations, drawing on compelling examples of case studies throughout the world. In line with the principles and values of PRME, this book is a natural choice of read for forward thinking individuals who embrace gender equality as a necessary status quo. Importantly, it is a must read for individuals who are skeptical about the need for greater gender equality. -- Jonas Haertle, Head, PRME Secretariat, UN Global Compact

This volume is designed to support the rationale for gender equality in business and organizations. It provides evidence of implementation of gender equality in the workplace and how to deal with and overcome challenges in various contexts, including throughout supply chains.

Many businesses and organizations are increasingly aware of the case for promoting gender equality, both within and outside their organizational boundaries. Evidence suggests that gender equality in the workplace boosts performance, and legal frameworks in many countries mandate specific action on gender inequality in the workplace. However, despite organizational policies on promoting equality and equal opportunities, there remain challenges to be overcome in many businesses, including throughout their supply chains.

The book provides research rationales as to why responsible organizations must address the issue of gender equality in the workplace. It also presents case studies, action research and examples of good practices, describing how businesses and organizations are working to promote gender equality in various contexts.

The book is designed to support the rationale for gender equality in business and organizations, providing evidence of implementation of gender equality in the workplace and advice on how to deal with and overcome challenges. It will be of interest to academics, employees, practitioners, policy-makers, businesses, institutions and organizations.