Entitled “WEPs Principles to Actions,” the workshop was conducted in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand (SEC), and Thai Listed Companies Association (TLCA), as part of the WE RISE Together programme, supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and implemented by UN Women. The programme aims to make value chains more inclusive and promote Supplier Diversity through Gender-Responsive Procurement (SD-GRP) in Thailand and Viet Nam.

“Businesses that diversify their suppliers and procure more from women-owned business and diverse groups will ultimately support Thailand’s path towards sustainable social and economic growth,” said Alia El-YASSIR, Regional Director for UN Women Asia and the Pacific. “We hope that companies’ 56-1 One Report (environmental, social and corporate governance [ESG] report) will increase the adoption of the WEPs and related tools, such as the Gender-Responsive Procurement assessment tools, leading to more inclusive and equitable practices.”

The workshop sought to create an enabling environment across capital market ecosystems on the business and human rights approach, and to strengthen the companies’ capacities by putting the WEPs – which offer guidance on how to promote gender equality in the workplace, marketplace and community – into practice.

Jomkwan Kongsakul, SEC Deputy Secretary-General, stated in her opening speech: “The SEC Thailand is delighted to co-organize this important workshop whose objectives align with our efforts to promote respect for human rights, including gender equality, in business operations. One of our strategic priorities is to support listed companies in effectively incorporating environmental, social and governance considerations into business practice to enhance their entire value chains. The UN Women’s guidance and tools will empower listed companies to make tangible progresses in advancing gender equality and to provide clearer disclosure of their policies and implementation in Form 56-1 One Report.”

During the workshop, the concept of SD-GRP as part of WEPs Principle 5 – enterprise development, supply chain and marketing – was shared to promote practices that could lead to a more gender-inclusive and diverse culture within the industry and across supply chains.

“TLCA has recognized the importance of gender equality,” added TLCA Adviser Pensri Suteerasarn. “As of today, the number of women in leading roles has continuously increased. In early 2023, a survey found that as many as 1 in 3 listed companies had female executives. TLCA has realized and supported a gender equality approach, and has an ESG policy to promote sustainable development in all aspects of listed companies.”

“Our company has placed the importance on women’s empowerment such as training and development programs for staff, and this workshop provides a new perspective for us to focus more on the community level,” said Sumonta Sungchurng, Corporate Governance Manager of Haadthip Public Company Limited and one of the workshop participants.

UN Women, SEC and TLCA will continue to work together to promote gender equality and a human-rights-based approach throughout the value chain, emphasizing transparency, accountability and diversity, which will, in turn, inform ESG business practices.