Applications are now open for the UN Women WEPs Corporate Action Lab Philippines 2026, a six-month initiative designed to help businesses create more gender-responsive and inclusive workplaces. Organized by UN Women in partnership with GIZ through the RECOTwin project, the program supports companies in developing innovative solutions that expand equitable career pathways for women and underrepresented groups in the green and digital economy.
The Corporate Action Lab brings together a cohort of businesses to strengthen gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in workplace training and skills development. Participating companies will receive technical support, innovation coaching, networking opportunities, and recognition upon successful completion of the program.
Details About UN Women WEPs Corporate Action Lab Philippines 2026
- Host Country: Philippines
- Organizers: UN Women and GIZ
- Program: WEPs Corporate Action Lab (WEPsCAL)
- Program Duration: 6 Months
- Application Period: 15 July – 15 August 2026
- Launch of Selected Cohort: September 2026
Program Focus
The 2026 Corporate Action Lab focuses on:
Business Action for Gender-responsive and Inclusive Skills Development: Advancing Equitable Career Pathways for Women and Diverse Talent for the Green and Digital Transitions.
The initiative aims to help businesses build inclusive talent pipelines while supporting the Philippines' green and digital transformation.
Program Benefits
Participating companies will receive:
- Access to the WEPs Gender Gap Analysis Tool (GAT).
- Individual work plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- One-on-one technical support and innovation coaching.
- Problem-solving and solution design sessions.
- Peer learning and networking opportunities.
- Connections with industry experts and solution providers.
- National, regional, and global recognition upon successful completion.
- Guidance on implementing gender-responsive and inclusive workplace practices.
Program Objectives
The selected companies will work toward:
- Understanding the business value of gender-responsive training.
- Identifying and reducing bias in workplace learning and development.
- Removing barriers that limit women's participation in technical careers.
- Designing and testing innovative corporate solutions.
- Developing measurable indicators to monitor progress.
- Sharing successful practices across the Philippines and ASEAN.
Who Can Apply?
The Corporate Action Lab is designed for:
- Private sector companies.
- Businesses interested in promoting gender equality.
- Organizations committed to inclusive workforce development.
- Companies seeking to strengthen diversity and inclusion strategies.
- Employers supporting green and digital workforce transformation.
A cohort of 8–12 companies will be selected for the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be a registered business or company.
- Demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and inclusive workplace practices.
- Be willing to participate throughout the six-month program.
- Commit to developing and testing workplace initiatives.
- Collaborate with other participating companies and experts.
- Be prepared to monitor progress using agreed performance indicators.
Eligible Nationalities
The program is open to companies operating in the Philippines.
Application Process
To apply:
- Complete the official online application form.
- Submit the application between 15 July and 15 August 2026.
- Applications will be reviewed by UN Women.
- Successful applicants will be contacted via email.
- Selected companies will join the official launch event in September 2026.
Information Sessions
Interested applicants may join one of the online information sessions:
- 22 July 2026
- 29 July 2026
- 10 August 2026
These sessions provide an overview of the program, application process, and participation requirements.
About the Program
The WEPs Corporate Action Lab is a flagship initiative of the UN Women Gender Action Lab (GAL). It is implemented in partnership with the Government of Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and GIZ under the Regional Cooperation on Labour Market Policy and Technical and Vocational Education and Training for a Twin Transition in ASEAN (RECOTwin) project.
The initiative supports businesses in creating workplaces where women and diverse talent have equal opportunities to develop skills, access quality employment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Application Deadline
The last date to submit an application is:
15 August 2026
FAQs
Who can participate in the WEPs Corporate Action Lab?
The program is intended for companies operating in the Philippines that are committed to improving gender equality, diversity, and inclusive workforce development.
Is there any cost to participate?
The official announcement does not mention a participation fee. Selected companies receive technical support, innovation coaching, and access to program resources throughout the six-month initiative.
How many companies will be selected?
UN Women plans to select 8 to 12 companies to participate in the 2026 WEPs Corporate Action Lab in the Philippines.
