ABSTRACT
The Gender Equality Principles are based on the Calvert Women’s Principles™, which were developed by Calvert, the socially responsible investment company. In addition, the Gender Equality Principles were influenced by CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. After close consultation with companies in the Bay Area of California, the Gender Equality Principles (GEPs) were launched in 2008. The GEPs has seven principles which include:
1. Employment and compensation
2. Work-life balance and career development
3. Health, safety, and freedom from violence
4. Management and governance
5. Business, supply chain, and marketing practices
6. Civic and community engagement
7. Leadership, transparency, and accountability
The San Francisco Department on the Status of Women is a key partner in the promotion of the GEPs. The Gender Equality Principles work at the regional and national level to promote women in the private sector. In 1998, the City of San Francisco enacted an ordinance enacting principles based on CEDAW, the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women.1
