IETP Adopts the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles

[Hong Kong & London]: On 6th July, 2022, The ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) adopted the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as part of our commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. 

IETP’s President and CEO Carmel Giblin signed the Principles in July 2022 to demonstrate our commitment to working together with our stakeholders to foster an inclusive, safe & productive workplace for all, as well as upholding the shared values of gender equality (SDG5) and women’s empowerment. Signing the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) is not only good for us, but good for the sustainability, innovation, and productivity of our entire industry. 

IETP is dedicated to incorporating women’s empowerment principles into our operations and our program design; We engage global brands, retailers, manufacturing businesses, and other purpose-driven organizations to promote gender equality in the supply chain.  

Our Supplier Certification Program and Social Impact Assessment safeguard equal opportunity for women at any stage of their employment. Our Worker Helpline provides a free and confidential grievance mechanism for them to share concerns and seek advice. And our Family-Friendly Spaces initiative offers free childcare support to release them into the workforce. IETP is also developing a comprehensive gender equality program that is expected to be launched in the last quarter of 2022. 

“At IETP, we understand the importance of women in business and are proud to be an organization championing women's empowerment. We are a signatory to the WEPs and 66% of our senior leadership and C-Suite executives are women. We have developed and continue to develop programs & policies promoting women's empowerment & Gender Equality principles at every level of our organisation & programs.” said Carmel Giblin, President & CEO of the ICTI CARE Foundation Inc.

“We congratulate IETP for taking the first step on their WEPs journey. We consider IETP a key partner in closing gender gaps in the workplace, marketplace and community and in advancing the Sustainability Development Goals,” praised Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director. 

The Women’s Empowerment Principle (WEPs) guide business on how to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.



The 7 core principles of Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs):

1.     High-level corporate leadership

2.     Treat all women and men fairly at work without discrimination

3.     Employee health, well-being and safety

4.     Education and training for gender equality

5.     Enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices

6.     Community initiatives and advocacy

7.     Measurement and reporting  

About The Women’s Empowerment Principles:

The Women’s Empowerment Principle (WEPs) guide business on how to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. Jointly established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs are underpinned by international labour standards and human rights and by the recognition that business have an important role in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Adopting the seven principles is the best way that businesses can deliver on the ambitions for gender equality and women’s empowerment as outlined in the 2030 Agenda on Sustainability Development and in the 17 SDGs.