Accor signs UN women's empowerment pledge

Hotel operator Accor has signed up to the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles, describing it as a part of efforts to get more women in its top positions.

The programme is an initiative of the UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact and features seven principles, designed to foster the empowerment of women in the workplace:

Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality

Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work - respect and support human rights and non-discrimination

Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers

Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women

Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women

Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy

Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

The embracing of the principles builds on Accor’s own Diversity Charter, which was introduced in 2011.

“By signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles, Accor is reasserting its commitment to fight stereotypes and encourage an increase in the percentage of women in decision-making positions,” explained Accor chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin.

“I am convinced that diversity is an asset that stimulates performance and innovation within our teams.”

The company created Women at Accor Generation (WAAG) two years ago, forming a network of women working for the Group, which aims to support their personal and professional development in both head offices and hotels.