BPW NZ – Congratulations to NZ’s Banks

Media Release: BPW NZ – Congratulations to NZ’s Banks

Embargoed until 6pm 19 September 2013

The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) congratulates the banking fraternity showing true leadership with gender diversity.

BPW NZ welcomes the findings from the recent NZ’s Women’s Empowerment Principles: Equality Means Business, a partnership initiative of UN Women and UN Global Compact, with reports provided by the CEO signatories from corporations and banks throughout NZ.

“At the Inaugural White Camellia Awards organised by UN Women, BPW NZ, Human Rights Commission and EEO Trust the Banks proved to be the leaders of change,” says Carolyn Savage, BPW NZ President.

“Of the seven awards covering each of the WEP’s principles, the banking corporations have shown true leadership taking out five of the seven awards.”

“Overall winner, ASB bank reflected true leadership for gender equality and achieving the highest standards through the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles,” says Mrs Savage.

“The following winners illustrated true leadership within the core WEP’s principles.”

#1:  ASB:  established high-level corporate leadership for gender equality

#2:  ANZ:  treating all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination

#3:  Kiwibank: ensuring health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers

#4:  Deloittes:  promote education, training and professional development for women

#5:  Coca Cola Amatil (NZ) Ltd:  implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women

#6:  BNZ:  promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy

ASB: Overall Winner, for progress on implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles.

“With organisations leading from the top, change will come”, says President Carolyn Savage

Women’s Affairs Minister Jo Goodhew, will join BPW for tonight’s celebration. Mrs Goodhew says “As the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles recognise, the full participation of women benefits business. We must continue to ensure the inclusion of women’s talents, skills, and experience through deliberate actions and policies.”

For further information or to schedule an interview please contact:

President, Carolyn Savage, 021 117 9261 or email president@bpwnz.org.nz

or Angela McLeod  027 497 2761

 

ENDS