"Time for Asia to seal in gender equality", 30 Nov 2016

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday launched its gender equality certification programme for businesses in Asia Pacific...UNDP's Gender Equality Seal Programme for Public and Private Enterprises was launched in 2009, and sets specific standards for gender equalities that companies must meet to get certified...The programme was pioneered in Latin America and has seen more than 1,400 companies attain the seal since its launch...Speaking at the Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, Yeoh urged leaders in Asia Pacific to adopt the programme"...Gender inequality is a pressing issue in Asia, with women 70 per cent less likely to be in the labour force than men. In South Asia, only 15 per cent of the women who work are salaried workers, with the rest operating in the informal economy...To attain the seal, companies must demonstrate their commitment to ending gender inequality in the workplace...[B]y adopting gender equality standards, the private sector can ensure equal opportunities and economic empowerment for women, create inclusive work environments and help achieve some of the SDGs...