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*Translations are unofficial and provided by Google translate
UN Women 2022 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards:
Meet the National Winners
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THAILAND
We are excited to announce the winners of the UN Women 2022 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards!
Big congratulations to all the winners who have committed themselves to advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. These gender champions from different countries, sectors, and fields are acknowledged respectively for their outstanding Leadership Commitment, Youth Leadership, Gender-inclusive Workplace, Gender-responsive Marketplace, Community Engagement & Partnerships, and Transparency & Reporting
*The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards represents recognition of exemplary company efforts for gender equality and is limited to a designated category and a specific location and time period. Awarded organizations, alongside their products and services, receiving awards are not endorsed or affiliated with UN Women or WeEmpowerAsia and being recognized as an Awardee does not constitute a partnership. Claims, statements, or endorsements made by awardees are solely those of the individual or organization and do not represent official policies or positions of UN Women.
Winners
Maj.Gen.Patchara Rattakul, Chief Executive Officer of HaadThip Public Company Limited
HaadThip Public Company Limited is a beverage industry player in southern Thailand, known for its commitment to respecting human rights and promoting gender equality. The company integrates human rights principles into its corporate culture and emphasizes their application to develop capabilities within the organization, among business partners, and throughout the supply chain.
Under Maj.Gen.Patchara Rattakul’s leadership, HaadThip supports "Female Entrepreneurs of Retailers - Stronger Together," a project that aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Through this program, women entrepreneurs are trained in various aspects of business, including accounting, shop management, budgeting, and inventory tracking.
By actively engaging in these projects, HaadThip demonstrates its commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Thai society. The company recognizes the important role women play in business and society, and strives to create opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
Under Maj.Gen.Patchara Rattakul’s leadership, HaadThip supports "Female Entrepreneurs of Retailers - Stronger Together," a project that aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Through this program, women entrepreneurs are trained in various aspects of business, including accounting, shop management, budgeting, and inventory tracking.
By actively engaging in these projects, HaadThip demonstrates its commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Thai society. The company recognizes the important role women play in business and society, and strives to create opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
Siam Makro
Siam Makro Public Company Limited, the largest wholesale business in Thailand, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the well-being and development of its employees, customers, business partners, and communities over the course of 33 years. The company's core values revolve around fostering good health, love, joy, and overall well-being.
At Siam Makro, people are regarded as the key to success. The company upholds a culture of Gender Equity and non-discrimination, providing equal opportunities for every employee to unleash their potential and contribute to driving the best business models and solutions for customers and business partners.
The company's dedication to gender equality is evident in its workforce, with a higher representation of females across all positions. This commitment to gender equality has contributed to a highly engaged workforce, with employee engagement scores exceeding 90%.
Siam Makro Public Company Limited is the largest wholesale business in Thailand. Over 33 years, we commit to developing businesses, products, and services for the good health, love, joy, and well-being of employees, customers, business partners, and communities.
"People" is our key success factor. Gender Equity and non-discrimination are cultures that provide opportunities for everyone to explore their capabilities to drive the best business model and solution for the customer and business partners.
Proven by the number of females higher in every position. And stronger proven by higher female promotion at every level, the high employee engagement score of over 90% of employees including the business’s continuous growth even during the crisis.
Unilever Thai Trading Limited
Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies and is comprised of 5 Business Groups: Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition and Ice Cream. Unilever embeds purpose into every part of the company to help deliver their vision to be the global leader in sustainable business.
In Thailand, a concerning practice has persisted for decades: if a girl’s hair is too long, it will be cut; – if it’s short but not at the earlobe, it will also be cut. As a result of this, every schoolgirl looks identical. This practice of punishing students with forced haircuts is an issue that has been cutting the confidence of children for decades. Forced haircuts have not only stripped away the girls' hair but also eroded their confidence and self-esteem, dampening their enthusiasm for attending school. Students who resist conformity may face punishment or even suspension.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of forced haircuts on girls, Dove, a brand under the Unilever umbrella, launched the #LetHerGrow campaign to address this issue directly. The campaign aims to detoxify beauty standards and challenge the practice of forced haircuts. It has garnered global attention, bringing awareness to a practice that many were previously unaware of, and stimulating conversations and demands for change. As of May 2023, over 700 personal experiences have been shared, and more than 2.7 thousand pledges have been made to support the campaign.
In Thailand, a concerning practice has persisted for decades: if a girl’s hair is too long, it will be cut; – if it’s short but not at the earlobe, it will also be cut. As a result of this, every schoolgirl looks identical. This practice of punishing students with forced haircuts is an issue that has been cutting the confidence of children for decades. Forced haircuts have not only stripped away the girls' hair but also eroded their confidence and self-esteem, dampening their enthusiasm for attending school. Students who resist conformity may face punishment or even suspension.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of forced haircuts on girls, Dove, a brand under the Unilever umbrella, launched the #LetHerGrow campaign to address this issue directly. The campaign aims to detoxify beauty standards and challenge the practice of forced haircuts. It has garnered global attention, bringing awareness to a practice that many were previously unaware of, and stimulating conversations and demands for change. As of May 2023, over 700 personal experiences have been shared, and more than 2.7 thousand pledges have been made to support the campaign.
The Siam Cement Public Company Limited
The Siam Cement Public Company Ltd (SCG), a prominent business conglomerate in ASEAN, is dedicated to driving sustainable business growth aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In its pursuit of reducing inequality and empowering communities, SCG has launched the transformative 'Power of Community' project. This initiative focuses on providing comprehensive training that not only enhances knowledge but also fosters personal growth, inspiring women to surpass their limitations and unlock their full potential.
Through the 'Power of Community' project, women participants are equipped with a Mini MBA, product ideation skills, and marketing expertise. This empowers them to leverage the unique local identities of their products, maximizing their value and creating new opportunities for economic development. As a result, these women have been able to overcome debt and enjoy stable incomes. The project has gained significant traction, with the involvement of 450 individuals, leading to the creation of 850 distinctive products. Furthermore, the knowledge gained through the project has been shared with 10,200 individuals, amplifying its impact across communities.
Through the 'Power of Community' project, women participants are equipped with a Mini MBA, product ideation skills, and marketing expertise. This empowers them to leverage the unique local identities of their products, maximizing their value and creating new opportunities for economic development. As a result, these women have been able to overcome debt and enjoy stable incomes. The project has gained significant traction, with the involvement of 450 individuals, leading to the creation of 850 distinctive products. Furthermore, the knowledge gained through the project has been shared with 10,200 individuals, amplifying its impact across communities.
Electricity Generating Public Company Limited
Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd (EGCO Group), the pioneering independent power producer in Thailand, has played a significant role in the country's power industry since its establishment under the Thai government's privatization initiatives. Committed to upholding human rights, EGCO Group actively works to prevent discrimination, harassment, child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking among its employees.
EGCO Group supports its employees' rights, including the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and fair working hours, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment. Despite operating in the engineering field traditionally dominated by men, the contribution of women executives has been remarkable, accounting for 27.5% of revenue generated. Demonstrating their dedication to gender diversity, EGCO Group has set a target to increase the representation of women executives to 30% by 2024.
Additionally, the company conducts assessments every 5 years and has auditing processes for Pay and Benefits for employees through the Gender Pay Gap Analysis and Equal Pay Analysis. It has sex-disaggregated data on numbers of men and women in management positions and in revenue generating functions, such as in STEM-related positions.
EGCO Group supports its employees' rights, including the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and fair working hours, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment. Despite operating in the engineering field traditionally dominated by men, the contribution of women executives has been remarkable, accounting for 27.5% of revenue generated. Demonstrating their dedication to gender diversity, EGCO Group has set a target to increase the representation of women executives to 30% by 2024.
Additionally, the company conducts assessments every 5 years and has auditing processes for Pay and Benefits for employees through the Gender Pay Gap Analysis and Equal Pay Analysis. It has sex-disaggregated data on numbers of men and women in management positions and in revenue generating functions, such as in STEM-related positions.
Connecting Founders
Connecting Founders, an advisory firm dedicated to supporting purpose-driven and growth-stage women-owned businesses, plays a crucial role in facilitating their scaling-up process. Recognizing the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Connecting Founders has prioritized key strategies centered around capital structuring, CFO services, and harnessing technology to reduce distribution costs and expand market reach.
In response to the economic impact of the pandemic, Connecting Founders developed and implemented a comprehensive recovery and post-pandemic financial and resiliency plan. This plan specifically targeted a mid-sized F&B and lifestyle group operating in Bangkok, which boasts a vast supply chain comprising numerous small businesses, many of which are owned by women. Through strategic capital planning and the establishment of valuable partnerships, the company successfully guided this group towards stability and growth in the face of adversity.
By offering expertise in capital structuring, CFO services, and technology-driven solutions, Connecting Founders empowers women-owned businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable success. Their commitment to create a business sector that is more responsive to different needs and more inclusive in resource allocation contributes to the overall advancement of women entrepreneurs.
In response to the economic impact of the pandemic, Connecting Founders developed and implemented a comprehensive recovery and post-pandemic financial and resiliency plan. This plan specifically targeted a mid-sized F&B and lifestyle group operating in Bangkok, which boasts a vast supply chain comprising numerous small businesses, many of which are owned by women. Through strategic capital planning and the establishment of valuable partnerships, the company successfully guided this group towards stability and growth in the face of adversity.
By offering expertise in capital structuring, CFO services, and technology-driven solutions, Connecting Founders empowers women-owned businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable success. Their commitment to create a business sector that is more responsive to different needs and more inclusive in resource allocation contributes to the overall advancement of women entrepreneurs.
1st Runners Up
Jittirat Tantasirin, a CEO and co-founder, ATTA Autohaus Company Limited
Jittirat Tantasirin is the CEO and co-founder of Atta Autohaus, a renowned Mercedes-Benz automotive dealer and the first automotive digital space in Thailand. Jittirat is deeply committed to incorporating sustainability, diversity, and inclusion throughout the business.
Her mission is to establish a platform within Atta Autohaus that fosters the incubation and development of new leaders who share the same dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion practices in society. Jittirat actively collaborates with the "Future Leaders" alliance, forming partnerships with other organizations to facilitate constructive dialogues among leaders regarding gender inclusivity.
Additionally, Jittirat's involvement as a member of the Parliamentary Commission of Active Citizenship and Thailand's Civil Partnership Bill further demonstrates her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She has been invited to serve as an inspirational speaker, committee member, panelist, and advisor on various fronts related to diversity and inclusion. This includes participation as a panelist in leadership and sustainability conferences, where she shares her insights and expertise.
Jittirat's efforts extend beyond the automotive industry, as she actively contributes to promoting diversity and inclusion in broader societal contexts. By leveraging her platform, she encourages dialogue, drives change, and inspires leaders to embrace and champion diversity and inclusion practices.
Her mission is to establish a platform within Atta Autohaus that fosters the incubation and development of new leaders who share the same dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion practices in society. Jittirat actively collaborates with the "Future Leaders" alliance, forming partnerships with other organizations to facilitate constructive dialogues among leaders regarding gender inclusivity.
Additionally, Jittirat's involvement as a member of the Parliamentary Commission of Active Citizenship and Thailand's Civil Partnership Bill further demonstrates her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She has been invited to serve as an inspirational speaker, committee member, panelist, and advisor on various fronts related to diversity and inclusion. This includes participation as a panelist in leadership and sustainability conferences, where she shares her insights and expertise.
Jittirat's efforts extend beyond the automotive industry, as she actively contributes to promoting diversity and inclusion in broader societal contexts. By leveraging her platform, she encourages dialogue, drives change, and inspires leaders to embrace and champion diversity and inclusion practices.
Samitivej Public Company Limited
Samitivej Public Company Limited is a prominent member of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) group, a leading consortium of private hospitals catering to both Thai and international patients. The first hospital under the Samitivej brand, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, was established in June 1979.
Recognizing the vital role of female employees in driving the organization's success in the medical industry, Samitivej became a signatory to the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in July 2022. This demonstrates the hospital's commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality within the workplace.
To enhance the retention rate of young professionals, Samitivej has implemented the "B-SMIT Got Talent 2020-2021" program, focusing on three key areas: innovation talent, service talent, and clinical talent. The objective is to increase the representation of women in leadership positions by 1% annually through capacity building and providing advanced career paths for the new generation.
These practices and policies contribute to fostering a more inclusive workplace and increasing women's participation throughout the organization. Furthermore, Samitivej has implemented guidelines to ensure that all employees are treated with full respect and equality, regardless of their gender, nationality, education, or beliefs. This commitment aligns with the company's vision of being an agile organization that upholds values and maintains a culture of inclusivity.
By prioritizing women's empowerment, career advancement, and creating a respectful work environment, Samitivej is actively contributing to promoting gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
Recognizing the vital role of female employees in driving the organization's success in the medical industry, Samitivej became a signatory to the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in July 2022. This demonstrates the hospital's commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality within the workplace.
To enhance the retention rate of young professionals, Samitivej has implemented the "B-SMIT Got Talent 2020-2021" program, focusing on three key areas: innovation talent, service talent, and clinical talent. The objective is to increase the representation of women in leadership positions by 1% annually through capacity building and providing advanced career paths for the new generation.
These practices and policies contribute to fostering a more inclusive workplace and increasing women's participation throughout the organization. Furthermore, Samitivej has implemented guidelines to ensure that all employees are treated with full respect and equality, regardless of their gender, nationality, education, or beliefs. This commitment aligns with the company's vision of being an agile organization that upholds values and maintains a culture of inclusivity.
By prioritizing women's empowerment, career advancement, and creating a respectful work environment, Samitivej is actively contributing to promoting gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
Sappe
Sappe is a company driven by a mission to inspire and make the best and most delightful food and beverages that enhance people's lives through their innovative spirit. In order to foster a strong and cohesive organization, Sappe recognizes the importance of focusing on people, including employees, suppliers, customers, trade and business partners, investors, and shareholders.
Notably, Sappe has achieved a significant representation of women in leadership positions, with 65% of current executives being women. In line with their commitment to supporting and empowering women in the workplace, Sappe has developed programs and initiatives specifically designed to promote gender equality and advancement. One such program is called "Inside Matters," which encompasses products created to enhance beauty and boost women's confidence across different generations.
Sappe's commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality aligns with their broader goal of positively impacting people's lives through their innovative and high-quality food and beverages.
Sappe’s mission is to be an inspirational organization and the maker of the best and most delicious food and beverages to “better people’s lives through our innovative spirit”. Our vital stakeholders include employees, suppliers, customers, trade and business partners, investors and shareholders. To strengthen organization from inside-out, we started from our people. With current Sappe executives being 65% women, programs and venues are designed to support and empower women in workplace. One of creative ideas generated from our program include women’s “inside matters” that respond to products created for beauty to boost women’s confidence in every generation.
IRPC Public Company Limited
IRPC Public Company Limited is a leading petrochemical company in Southeast Asia, known for its integrated operations in Rayong, Thailand. The company's facilities include a refinery and petrochemical complex, a deep-sea port, an oil depot, and a power plant.
Under the "3S Strategy" - Strengthening the Core, Striving for Growth, and Sustaining the Future - IRPC aims to demonstrate its commitment to knowledge and innovation by establishing a learning facility for agriculture and agritourism.
In 2022, IRPC launched the Smart Farming project in collaboration with Mrs. Booncheun, a female community leader and farmer from Udon Thani province. Mrs. Booncheun serves as a role model for local farmers, particularly women, inspiring them to be independent and seek technical support for occupational training and livelihood development from district and provincial agricultural offices.
As a result of this initiative, a total of 14 occupational groups were formed, each specializing in different products based on local wisdom and innovative practices. This project has fostered entrepreneurship and empowerment within the local community, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
Under the "3S Strategy" - Strengthening the Core, Striving for Growth, and Sustaining the Future - IRPC aims to demonstrate its commitment to knowledge and innovation by establishing a learning facility for agriculture and agritourism.
In 2022, IRPC launched the Smart Farming project in collaboration with Mrs. Booncheun, a female community leader and farmer from Udon Thani province. Mrs. Booncheun serves as a role model for local farmers, particularly women, inspiring them to be independent and seek technical support for occupational training and livelihood development from district and provincial agricultural offices.
As a result of this initiative, a total of 14 occupational groups were formed, each specializing in different products based on local wisdom and innovative practices. This project has fostered entrepreneurship and empowerment within the local community, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited is a prominent player in the energy sector and is recognized as a leader in the transition towards sustainable energy sources. The company operates in five main business segments- Refinery Business Group, which is a niche product refinery, marketing, Green Power Business from the renewable energy businesses operated by BCPG, bio-based product business, operated by BBGI and natural resources and new business.
In addition to its business operations, Bangchak has set in place a Safety, Security, Occupational Health, Environment, and Energy (SHEE) Policy, which requires employees and contractors to perform safety duties and responsibilities for themselves and their colleagues in compliance with safety regulations and standards including health and safety, sexual harassment protection and independent external verification of reported cases relevant to SHEE. Moreover, the company diligently reviews and monitors its suppliers' code of conduct to ensure transparency and accountability in their practices. By maintaining compliance with the code, Bangchak aims to promote responsible and gender-inclusive business conduct throughout its supply chain.
In addition to its business operations, Bangchak has set in place a Safety, Security, Occupational Health, Environment, and Energy (SHEE) Policy, which requires employees and contractors to perform safety duties and responsibilities for themselves and their colleagues in compliance with safety regulations and standards including health and safety, sexual harassment protection and independent external verification of reported cases relevant to SHEE. Moreover, the company diligently reviews and monitors its suppliers' code of conduct to ensure transparency and accountability in their practices. By maintaining compliance with the code, Bangchak aims to promote responsible and gender-inclusive business conduct throughout its supply chain.
PAC Corporation (Thailand) Company Limited
Atchara Poomee the founder and CEO of PAC Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a company specializing in the production and development of PAC energy-saving water heaters and air conditioners. As a female entrepreneur, Atchara has a deep understanding of the challenges faced in promoting gender diversity within the clean technology industry.
In her role as the leader of the organization, Atchara has actively advocated for gender equality and empowerment. She has been invited as a guest lecturer, speaker, and panelist at various prestigious institutions and events. Notably, she participated in the 'ASEAN Access - Women's Economic Empowerment: Power by Entrepreneurship 2022' event, where she shared her experiences and insights to inspire and empower women entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.
Atchara has also been a prominent presence at several conferences and events, leveraging her platform to promote and support women in business. Through her engagements, she aims to foster an environment that empowers women entrepreneurs to succeed and contribute to the growth and development of the clean technology sector. Atchara's dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, and her efforts contribute to the advancement of gender equality and diversity in the industry.
In her role as the leader of the organization, Atchara has actively advocated for gender equality and empowerment. She has been invited as a guest lecturer, speaker, and panelist at various prestigious institutions and events. Notably, she participated in the 'ASEAN Access - Women's Economic Empowerment: Power by Entrepreneurship 2022' event, where she shared her experiences and insights to inspire and empower women entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.
Atchara has also been a prominent presence at several conferences and events, leveraging her platform to promote and support women in business. Through her engagements, she aims to foster an environment that empowers women entrepreneurs to succeed and contribute to the growth and development of the clean technology sector. Atchara's dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, and her efforts contribute to the advancement of gender equality and diversity in the industry.
