From Gender-Responsive Workplaces to Sustainable Business: WEPs Implementation Training Held in Dnipro and Odesa

Photo: UN Women/Valentyn Voityshyn

The training on the implementation of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) was held in Dnipro and Odesa to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian companies and organizations to integrate gender equality and equal opportunity principles into corporate governance, human resources policies, communications, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. This training came at a critical time as Ukraine's labour market continues to transform, expectations for responsible business practices increase, and organizations seek to make better use of human capital across the country. For companies, the WEPs serve not only as a framework for advancing gender equality commitments but also as a practical tool to strengthen management practices, ESG approaches, employee and partner trust, and readiness to engage with international markets.

The training brought together 50 participants representing businesses, business associations, civil society organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, local self-government bodies, and organizations working in entrepreneurship development, human capital, communications, ESG, partnerships, and internal policy development. Participants came from 10 regions of Ukraine, representing both urban and rural communities, enabling the programme to reflect diverse regional experiences and business challenges.

The training programme focused on the practical implementation of the WEPs. Participants explored corporate leadership, equal treatment of women and men in the workplace, creating safe and healthy working environments, supporting employees' professional development, promoting responsible supply chains and marketing practices, engaging with communities, advocacy, as well as measuring progress and reporting.

Particular attention was given to addressing the gender pay gap, promoting work-life balance, preventing discrimination and harassment, fostering safe workplaces, strengthening responsible communications, using gender-sensitive language, and enhancing companies' internal policies. Another key component was focused on collaboration between businesses and civil society, as well as approaches to removing barriers that limit women's professional growth.

The training combined expert-led sessions, case study analysis, group discussions, practical exercises, self-assessment tools, and interactive learning formats. This approach enabled participants not only to become familiar with the WEPs as a global framework for responsible business but also to identify concrete actions for integrating the WEPs into internal policies, management practices, and corporate processes.

The training has already produced tangible results. The Odesa Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pryazovskyi State Technical University signed the WEPs, while five additional companies expressed their intention to join the global WEPs community of signatories. Participants also identified priority areas for strengthening their organizations and developed practical approaches to integrating equal opportunity principles into HR processes, corporate governance, communications, partnerships, and reporting.

Holding the training in Dnipro and Odesa marked an important step towards expanding access to practical WEPs implementation tools for companies across different regions of Ukraine. The regional format made it possible to address the specific needs of local business environments and tailor the programme to the realities faced by enterprises operating under diverse economic and security conditions. This helps ensure that the WEPs become not only a statement of commitment but also a practical driver of change within companies, communities, and partnerships.

This training is part of UN Women's broader efforts to support Ukrainian businesses in implementing the WEPs as a practical framework for strengthening corporate governance, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, promoting responsible business practices, and enhancing companies' competitiveness.

The WEPs Implementation Training is organized within the framework of the UN Women Ukraine’s Strategic Note (2025–2029) through the financial support of the governments of Austria, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Finland, France, and Sweden.