Established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact (UNGC), WEPs are a set of seven principles providing guidance for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace. Esquel supported the WEPs following a joint campaign launched by UN Woman and China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), through which top executives from over 90 textile and apparel companies in China signed The CEO Statement of Support for the WEPs, pledging c-suite support to gender inclusion and diversity at work.

Becoming a signatory to the WEPs not only solidifies Esquel’s determination towards women’s empowerment practices within the Company but conveys its enduring belief in diversity and inclusion as an integral part of Esquel’s people-centric culture. Over the years, the Group has made continuous efforts facilitating female employees to upskill, transform themselves, and lead. One of the more recent initiatives includes the participation of an Esquel Vietnam site in the GEAR (Gender Equality and Returns) program, which equips female employees with the skills required to advance their careers by providing training for manufacturing and processing, quality control and lean management, among other areas.

By joining the WEPs community, Esquel intends to enhance its sustained work in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving positive social changes as a member of the community.