Şölen Takes a Strong Step Toward Equality in the Workplace

Şölen, moving to strengthen women's presence in business life, has signed the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). The company aims to increase women's participation in the workforce by placing gender equality at the center of its sustainable growth strategy. Şölen CEO Erdoğan Çoban stated on the matter: "This signature is the global expression of our commitment to social equality."

Şölen, a global player in the snacking sector, has taken an important step to strengthen women's role in business life. The company, as a signatory to the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), has registered its commitment to gender equality on a global scale. 

RATIO OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES INCREASING EVERY YEAR
Şölen CEO Erdoğan Çoban, noting that signing WEPs is a natural step in the company's long-term sustainability strategy, stated: "Women's participation in working life is not merely an equality matter; it is a fundamental condition for sustainable development, strong economies and prosperous societies. As Şölen, increasing women's participation in the workforce, ensuring their access to fair wages and benefits, and strengthening their personal development and career opportunities have always been our priority. In line with our sustainability targets, we support a workplace culture that is nourished by diversity, promotes collective intelligence, is multi-vocal and transparent. We believe that our colleagues' individual experiences and talents are the strongest element of our institutional culture. By 2030, we aim to increase the ratio of female employees to 45 percent in white-collar positions and increase the total number of female employees by 10 percent. With our WEPs Support Statement, we are registering this commitment on a global scale; we declare that we stand in solidarity with the United Nations to end gender inequality in the workplace and in society. This signature is the global expression of our commitment to social equality."

UN Women Turkey Country Director Maryse Guimond stated: "Şölen's participation in the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) is an important indicator of its committed leadership in advancing gender equality in the business world. WEPs, which is creating transformation in the private sector around the world, has been signed by 11,706 companies globally, while in Turkey, which is the second country with the most signatory companies in the world, 653 companies have committed to supporting 7 principles aimed at women's empowerment in the workplace, markets and society. 

We believe that Şölen's commitments to increasing the ratio of female employees, strengthening equal opportunity and building an inclusive workplace culture are a powerful step that will accelerate transformation in the private sector. As UN Women Turkey, we welcome the prioritization of gender equality in the business world, and we eagerly look forward to further strengthening our cooperation with Şölen for concrete progress, wider impact and lasting change."

PLACING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AT THE FOREFRONT
Şölen places diversity, inclusivity and collective intelligence at the center of its sustainability strategy. The company implements equal opportunity-focused policies at every stage from recruitment to career development. Supporting equality through training programs, awareness projects and mentoring initiatives for female employees, Şölen aims for women to demonstrate strong presence both locally and on the international stage with their knowledge, skills and experience. This step by the company is assessed not merely as a corporate signature; but also as a concrete demonstration of the value placed on women's labor in the business world and of inclusive growth.

UNITED NATIONS WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES - WEPs
The United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles - WEPs, developed through collaboration between UN Women and UN Global Compact, provide a roadmap for the private sector to strengthen women's position in economic life. Built on seven fundamental principles, this platform guides companies on matters such as equal pay for equal work, inclusive leadership, equal opportunity, work-life balance, education and development opportunities, supply chain diversity and social impact. 

WEPs, creating transformation in the private sector around the world, also supports women's empowerment in the workplace, markets and society in Turkey.