UN Global Compact Calls on Business to Advance Gender Equality By Fighting Corruption

(Addis Ababa, 29 January 2015) – A business forum on Collective Action against Corruption: Gender Perspectives concluded today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Co-hosted by the UN Global Compact and the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce, with support by Siemens Integrity Initiative, the multi-stakeholder forum explored how women are uniquely affected by corruption and the role of collective action in tacking this issue. The event was organized on the margins of the African Union’s January 2015 Summit, marking Agenda 2063 which calls for the development of Africa's human capital – with a particular focus on women and the promotion of transparent and peaceful societies – to realize a sustainable future for the continent.

The forum brought together stakeholders from the Ethiopian and broader African business communities, Government and civil society, as well as representatives from UN Women and other international organizations. Opening the forum, Kebour Ghenna, Executive Director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed that anti-corruption and transparency are the strong pillars on which any social development rests. Olajobi Makinwa, Head of Anti-Corruption and Transparency at the UN Global Compact, underscored the importance of collective action in eliminating corruption. “More women in decision-making roles, in the boardroom and in the larger political process are needed to create transparent and inclusive societies”, said Makinwa.

A panel discussion was held on the topic of “Collective Action against Corruption for Women’s Empowerment and Development”.  Speakers explored the complexities of corruption issues, specifically as they pertain to women, and shared examples of how their organisations are fighting corruption, specifically highlighting the benefits of collective action. Participants concluded that involvement of more women in the political and corporate decision-making processes, as well as the overall economic empowerment of women, are key to achieving a more transparent and inclusive society. The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) – a joint initiative between the UN Global Compact and UN Women – lays out 7 Principles for achieving just that, advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Companies, particularly female-owned businesses, were encouraged to sign the UN Global Compact’s Call to Action: Anti-Corruption and the Global Development Agenda.  The Call to Action, which has been signed by more than 275 business and investors worldwide, is an appeal by the private sector to Governments to include good governance and transparency in the global development agenda.

• See agenda
• See background note
• Learn more about the Anti-Corruption Call to Action
• Learn more about the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

About the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI)
The PACCI is an international operating non-governmental organization established in 2009 with 35 founding national business chambers. PACCI, as one of the few continental business representative organizations, plans to be the main business advocacy organization in Africa to provide services that strengthens the capacity of the business community to prosper and grow sustainably, and to enhance the continent’s economic integration.

Contact

Neha Das
Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiatives 
UN Global Compact 
das@unglobalcompact.org