Speedy Hire Sign UN Women’s Empowerment Principles

8 January 2024
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Speedy Hire is delighted to announce that we have signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as part of our commitment to Gender Equality.

This makes us the first UK hire company to do so.

By signing the WEPs we are committing to take bold steps to advance gender equality in our workplace and local communities as part of our Decade to Deliver sustainability strategy and highlights our commitment to achieve our target to be 30% women by 2030.

Amelia Woodley, ESG Director, said:

“We are delighted to sign up to the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) on our journey to becoming a more sustainable business, encouraging more women into the industry is a key part of that journey”.

Working together for an Inclusive Speedy Hire

We will need to work together across all business areas to ensure that we foster a truly inclusive, safe and productive workplace for all our colleagues, as set out in our Decade to Deliver strategy.

Women represent half of the world’s population yet remain under-represented in the construction industry with just 15% of the construction workforce being women.

Whilst Speedy Hire are ahead of the construction average with 21.91% women in our workforce, we know there is room to improve. By upholding the shared values of gender equality and women’s empowerment we can continue to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming Speedy.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women's Executive Director said:

“We congratulate Speedy Hire for taking the first step on their WEPs journey. We consider Speedy Hire a key partner in closing gender gaps in the workplace, marketplace and community and in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

About the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) guide businesses on how to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. Jointly established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs are underpinned by international labour standards and human rights and by the recognition that businesses have an important role in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

To learn more about the WEPs, please visit weps.org.