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“We are proud to be in the lead in supporting this initiative,” said Sigsteinn P. Gretarsson, Managing Director of Marel ehf., when he signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) on behalf of Marel on Thursday, 25 November. “At the same time, we see this as a personal challenge and a welcome reminder of what we need to do to improve and strengthen our company.”

Marel was one of the first three companies in Iceland to sign the WEP, a joint global initiative of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the UN Global Compact, designed to offer practical guidance to business on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. The other two signatories were Deloitte and Rio Tinto Alcan.

“A culture of continuous innovation is a cornerstone of our company and we have learned that the best ideas grow out of teamwork, rather than the achievements of individuals,” said Gretarsson. “When a group of professionals comes together to share their ideas freely and openly, that’s where the miracles are born. We have also learned that in order to create this desirable dynamic within a group, it’s not enough to ensure a satisfactory level of knowledge. If the diversity is lacking, the group’s process will become unilateral and the outcome foreseeable.”

Gender equality is a dimension of diversity that is of major concern to Marel. “By ensuring gender equality within Marel, we can attract, recruit, retain and promote the best people. We cannot afford to do anything less.”

United Nations Global Compact - Women's Empowerment Principles
UNIFEM - Women's Empowerment Principles