These global companies have seized the opportunity to invest in the health and empowerment of women in their global supply chains, while also generating business returns.

For more information about the bold, measurable and time-bound commitments of global companies, explore the Universal Access Project’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 Private Sector Action Progress Reports.

UAP’s 2022 Progress Report found that, as COVID-19 continued to ebb and flow and keep the entire world on its toes, companies have by and large held steady to their commitments, despite unforeseeable challenges and shifting lines in the sand. These commitments are reaching more than 2 million women workers and community members in supply chains primarily focused in 17 countries.

These commitment-makers took various steps to respond to the pandemic and adapt to new realities. Notably, for many companies, the structures and personnel used for their health education and empowerment trainings could be repurposed for the pandemic response, a foundation for a wide range of responses and experimentation on workplace approaches. Several trends emerged:

• The development of virtual learning models and service delivery.

• The strengthening of programs and systems.

• The deepening of partnerships.