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On August 28-30, Kyiv hosted a Training for trainers on the implementation and promotion of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). This three-day training seminar aimed to prepare qualified specialists who can effectively transfer knowledge about WEPs within their organizations and contribute to their promotion and integration into business practices.

The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are an effective tool for achieving gender equality in the workplace and society as a whole. Through their implementation, companies and organizations can create equal conditions for everyone.

"Empowering women is an important component of UN Women's mission to achieve gender equality in Ukraine, which plays a critical role in the country's overall economic development, recovery, and prosperity. Supporting women in recovery processes is important for many reasons, including addressing the unique challenges and vulnerabilities they face during crises or recovery, as well as their active participation in recovery processes, which enhances economic resilience. That's why UN Women invests in gender-responsive recovery and not only cooperates with the government but also encourages the private sector to implement initiatives aimed at empowering women and applying WEPs," said Julia Broussard, Deputy Representative of UN Women in Ukraine.

The training was attended by 27 women from different parts of Ukraine, namely:

• Trainers from the private sector, civil society, and the expert community working in the field of gender equality and women's economic empowerment;
• Representatives of WEPs signatory companies responsible for training staff on gender equality and further promotion of WEPs;
• Representatives of private and state companies involved in training staff on WEPs implementation.

In particular, the participants gained knowledge about:

• Corporate leadership;
• Fair treatment of all women and men at work without discrimination;
• Health, well-being, and safety of personnel;
• Career growth;
• Business development;
• Marketing practices, etc.

In addition, the seminar held several additional lectures on expanding women's opportunities in the workplace, increasing their involvement in business processes, and implementing an inclusive work environment. In particular, there were training sessions on implementing gender-responsive policies in companies, the importance of using feminine forms of words, and building a gender-responsive workplace.

"The training helped me better understand my strengths and realize how I can be useful to others. I not only deepened my knowledge of WEPs but also received valuable tools for personal and professional development. I especially enjoyed the networking, thanks to which I met many talented women with whom I'm sure we will cross paths again," said Lidiya Shyhymaha, Senior Recruitment Marketing Specialist at the international IT company Avenga.

"I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to undergo training for trainers. A large amount of new knowledge, professional speakers, a circle of communication with purposeful and educated women, the exchange of invaluable experience. Everything you need to confidently bring change to our society," commented Yana Kostevych, founder of the Drive Hub safe driving center.

Also, within the framework of the training, a workshop "Synergy of Cooperation: Best Practices of Private Companies in Empowering Women" was held. Experts on women's leadership shared the specifics of implementing WEPs and also conducted a master class on self-presentation. In addition, the participants played the board game Women IN: Leadership and Business, which, using the example of world-famous personalities, demonstrates the importance of involving women at the local and state levels. Among the lecturers were Iryna Tytarchuk, Executive Director of the NGO "Ukrainian Center for Investment and Trade Promotion," Anastasiia Fem, speech stylist, and Yelyzaveta Bieliaieva, Deputy Executive Director of the Ukraine Investment and Trade Facilitation Center.

The workshop was joined by 30 participants representing state and private companies (at the management level), business associations, civil society organizations, as well as business owners.

"Gender equality in the workplace is key to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunities for development. Increasing the role of women in business not only enhances the company's competitiveness but also contributes to social change in society. Training and implementation of WEPs help Ukrainian organizations achieve these goals," summarizes Iryna Tytarchuk, UN Women National Consultant on Supporting Private Sector Partners for Implementing Women's Economic Empowerment Initiatives.

Disclaimer:

Training for trainers on the implementation and promotion of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) is implemented within the framework of the "Empowering Women in Business" initiative, which is carried out within the project "Transformational Approaches to Achieving Gender Equality in Ukraine" implemented by UN Women with the financial support of the Government of Sweden in cooperation with the Office Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.  

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Ukraine Investment and Trade Facilitation Center

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itfcua

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itfc-ukraine/

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Background:

The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a set of seven principles that serve as a tool to guide businesses in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace, labor market, and society. Through their implementation, companies change their approaches to supporting women, protecting their rights, and treating them fairly in the workplace.

"Empowering Women in Business" is an initiative to raise awareness, conduct training, and provide informational support to representatives of the private sector to improve their professional skills in implementing the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and implementing relevant programs, as well as to facilitate the creation of new partnerships with private companies, business associations, and NGOs to promote gender equality and expand women's economic opportunities.

"UN Women" is the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is the leading body coordinating the work of the UN system in the field of gender equality. It is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly, established by the Assembly's decision in 2010 to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women worldwide, increase the efficiency of using available resources, and consolidate the mandates and functions of individual UN system units that dealt exclusively with gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Office Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine ensures the implementation of state policy to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in Ukraine and the corresponding coordination of interaction between central executive bodies.

Ukraine Investment and Trade Facilitation Center is an independent non-profit organization specializing in supporting the development of small and medium-sized businesses, promoting the implementation of women's economic empowerment initiatives, trade, and export.