Companies are increasingly making a commitment to advance gender equality. Yet, many still face challenges in advancing and embedding gender equality across the entire supply chain: suppliers are expected to respect human rights and promote gender equality but are often set up to fail by buying companies.

In this session, companies will gain a holistic understanding of how gender equality impacts various supply chain functions—from career growth opportunities, equal pay for work of equal value, and equitable representation to supplier selection and workplace conditions.

Participants will also explore the critical dynamics between buyers and suppliers, including how purchasing practices, power imbalances, and mutual accountability can drive or hinder gender-responsive practices. From this, participants will learn how to create an actionable framework to implement gender-responsive practices throughout your supply chain and meet the ambitious targets of Forward Faster beyond the workplace.

This event is part of the 2025 Countdown to International Women’s Day — a high-impact, interactive learning journey designed to help your company move from commitment to action on gender equality. Starting from 18 February leading up to International Women’s Day, participants will join global peers for weekly expert-led sessions and recommended on-demand learning modules, offered in multiple languages and time zones. Get ready to unpack what holistic corporate action for gender equality looks like in practice — regardless of your region, industry or sector. Participation in the journey is open and free of charge! Invite your colleagues to join this learning journey and take meaningful corporate action in support of gender equality in the lead up to International Women’s Day. Sign up here (https://bit.ly/3PXfZy9) for the full journey now!

Languages: English translated to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish

Session 1: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. CET

Interpretation: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic

Session 2: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. ET

Interpretation: French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish