The United Nations Association of New York (UNA-NY) recognises H&M’s contribution to gender equality and the empowerment of women. At the annual ceremony in New York, celebrating the founding of the United Nations, Stefan Persson, chairman of H&M, received the Humanitarian of the Year award.
Each year the UNA-NY considers individuals who have accomplished important strides in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, including the issue of gender equality. This year’s award theme is Empowering Women, Promoting Peace and Progress.
The UNA-NY recognises H&M’s long-term sustainability work in Asia as well as its contribution to international trade, creating more than a million jobs in the textile industry, not least for women. The importance of collaborations between the Conscious Foundation and organisations such as CARE, UNICEF and WaterAid is acknowledged as well as the fact that gender equality has been H&M’s mission since its founding in 1947. Persson is, according to the president of the UNA-NY, Abid Qureshi, “an inspiration to all of us and a worthy recipient” of the award.
Many women continue to face discrimination in access to education and work in many places of the world. By investing in women’s economic empowerment we can help in transforming the lives of individuals and families, we can fight poverty and bring positive development for entire communities, says Persson.
Persson emphasises that the work of H&M in empowering women connects directly with the core values of the company and that a paid job with a stable income is a first step towards an independent life.
The UNA-NY is dedicated to supporting the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the UN system and promoting constructive US leadership.
Other articles from the H&M partner zone:
- Go green, wear blue: H&M launch new denim collection
- Skills development can empower women
- 4 tips for becoming an eco-friendly fashion lover
Content on this page is provided by H&M, sponsor of the sustainable fashion hub
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