UN Women 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards: Applications Now Open
UN Women is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the UN Women 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.
About the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs)
Established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) provide a globally recognized framework for businesses to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Today, more than 12,400 companies across approximately 160 countries have signed the WEPs, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the gender equality dimensions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards
The 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards recognize exemplary efforts by businesses in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.
Since 2020, the Awards have received more than 2,000 applications from over 1,000 companies across more than 20 countries and territories, making them the region’s leading platform for recognizing private sector leadership and innovation in advancing gender equality.
Applications are open to all legally registered, for-profit entities operating in Asia-Pacific countries and territories. Companies may apply for up to two award categories and may submit applications in either English or Chinese.
Award Categories
1. Leadership Commitment
2. Gender-Inclusive Workplace
3. Gender-Responsive Marketplace
4. Community Engagement & Partnerships
5. Inclusive Procurement
6. Tech and AI for Gender Equality
In addition to Winners and Runner-Ups in each category, three SME Champion Awards will be presented to outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises. New for 2026, three Special Mention recognitions will highlight exemplary efforts in Youth Leadership, Transparency and Reporting, and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
The Awards process includes both national and regional recognition. National WEPs Awards ceremonies will take place in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Winners from these countries, alongside applicants from across the region, will be considered for the Asia-Pacific Regional WEPs Awards in December 2026.
2026 China National Recognition Ceremony
UN Women China is responsible for facilitating the national WEPs Awards process in China and will organize an exclusive, invitation-only China WEPs Award ceremony in Q4 2026.
Collaboration opportunities are available and ways your company could benefit from the awards and ceremony include:
✓ Showcase your company’s leadership on ESG/CSR and contribution to China’s gender equality goals and global SDGs
✓ Position your company as an industry leader and innovator for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
✓ Strengthen your corporate reputation and stakeholder trust – including in international markets
✓ Gain national, regional and global visibility
✓ And more!
Application
Please visit the Awards website and submit your applications before 30 June 2026.
Companies and industry associations are also eligible to apply. If you are interested in learning more or supporting, please e-mail Ms. Yexi Mao at yexi.mao@unwomen.org.