Leaders in gender equality in employment celebrated

Human Rights Commission

Media release

19 September 2013

EMBARGOED UNTIL 6pm 19 September

Leaders in gender equality in employment celebrated

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue presented the first ever White Camellia awards in Parliament this evening at an event that marked Women’s Suffrage Day.

The awards honour organisations who have committed to increasing gender equality in the workplace by signing up to the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles. So far 30 NZ companies have signed up to the Principles, which offer guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue, said “I would like to congratulate the companies who have taken on the Women’s Empowerment Principles. It is heartening to see gender equality being prioritised, with measures such as flexible working and enhanced parental leave becoming more widespread.”

Seven awards were presented, with one for each of the WEPs, and one supreme award for implementing the principles across the board. Banks dominated the evening, winning five awards including the supreme award, which was won by ASB. The awards were organised by the UN Women New Zealand, the EEO Trust, the Human Rights Commission and BPW New Zealand.

White Camellia Award Winners
Principle #1: For establishing high-level corporate leadership for gender equality Winner: ASB

Principle #2: For treating all women and men fairly at work – respecting and supporting human rights and non-discrimination Winner: ANZ

Principle #3: For ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all women and men workers. Winner: Kiwibank

Principle #4: for promoting education, training and professional development for women. Winner: Deloittes

Principle #5: For implementing enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women. Winner: Coca-Cola Amatil

Principle #6: For promoting equality through community initiatives and advocacy Winner: BNZ
Overall winner for progress on implementing the WEPs Winner: ASB

ENDS