IKEA India (Ingka Group) won UN Women Award in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category inaugural Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards ceremony in Bangkok on December 15.
According to Peter Betzel, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer, “Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of IKEA’s business. IKEA is an equal opportunity employer. Equality is a fundamental human right. To reach true equality, we focus both on the diversity of our workforce and on fostering a culture of inclusion in our work environment. Our goal is to create an inclusive culture where everyone is valued for their unique contribution, and where they can be themselves.”
“Over the past years, addressing gender equality has been a priority. We have to have more women in the workforce in India for a more equal society. It is non-negotiable for us to have a 50/50 gender balance across all levels. Today, more than 60 percent of our senior leaders and close to 46 percent of our co-workers across all units are women. We have a unique 6 monthly parental policy in IKEA India for both men and women to encourage more women to join back work after childbirth. India is a long-term commitment for IKEA and being successful in India will help us be successful globally,” he said.
The first edition of the Asia Pacific WEP Awards was presented through the WeEmpowerAsia project, partnered and donated by the European Union. This award gives recognition to the innovations and promoting gender equality in the private sector. Apart from the six categories according to which the award is given are ensuring equal parenting and caregiving roles, supporting women leaders, improve access to finance for women entrepreneurs, and make working conditions fairer.
The WEP awards are aimed at empowering women for participating in economic life across all sectors in the workplace.
