Deadline: 7 April 2025
UN Women, TalentCorp and LeadWomen have joined forces to launch the first Malaysia Women’s Empowerment Principles Corporate Action Lab (WEPsCAL) — a cohort-based initiative supporting companies to develop innovative solutions and implement and track actions to promote gender equality with the support of like-minded organisations.
The WEPsCAL will run over a period of 6-9 months and each Corporate Action Lab centers around a specific challenge based on the thematic areas of the WEPs. It is a key action initiative of the UN Women Gender Action Lab: Innovation and Impact for Gender Equality in the Asia-Pacific, implemented in partnership with the Government of Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In line with the Malaysia MADANI Economic Framework to increase the female labour participation rate in Malaysia to 60% by 2033, this WEPsCAL brings together a cohort of businesses to develop and pilot-test new solutions to the challenge of increasing women’s participation and retention in the workforce by implementing family-friendly workplace policies and practices.
Aims
- WEPsCAL aims to encourage a fresh approach to addressing systemic challenges through tools like design thinking, cross-cohort sharing and multi-stakeholder support through a selected area of focus also known as a thematic area. Leaning into the definition of a “lab”, WEPsCAL provides companies with the opportunity to experiment and develop new strategies and solutions to fit their own unique needs and gender equality goals, ultimately contributing to increased business productivity and innovation, brand recognition and talent acquisition and retention, as well as broader inclusive economic growth in Malaysia. It is entirely free to participate in the WEPsCAL, though companies will be expected to commit resources to implement their proposed actions as necessary.
- At a glance, the program aims to:
- Address persistent challenges to gender equality in the world of work by leveraging peer learning in a cohort and technical expertise and guidance provided by UN Women and partners, leveraging the globally recognized framework of the WEPs as well as tailored innovation methodologies.
- Support companies to co-create, pilot and track learnings and progress on innovative solutions tailored to address specific business needs.
- Build a pool of WEPs Changemakers and Champions to document and share via national, regional and global multi-stakeholder platforms what works for advancing gender equality in the work of work and inspire others to take action.
Benefits
- Guided use and analysis of WEPs Gender Gap Analysis Tool
- Customized action plan and KPIs to boost gender equality and sustainable business growth
- Dedicated capacity building, 1-1 problem solving sessions, and expert support throughout the Lab
- Connections to innovators and strategic partners to support your solutions
- National and regional recognition for your efforts and leadership
- A unique peer learning approach and facilitated cross-country exchange to share best practices, validate new solutions, and go further, faster
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered business entity in Malaysia with a valid business registration number under SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) or relevant authorities for SMEs and large corporations.
- Compliance with existing labour laws, including minimum wage and employment standards, as outlined in the Employment Act 1955
- Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Signatory: Currently or willing to become a Signatory by the start of the program if selected (i.e. 25 April 2025).
For more information, visit UN Women.
