JA Solar has formally committed to advancing gender equality by signing the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles. This move marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its strategy and operations, particularly in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment within the workplace.
The solar energy giant has pledged to align its business practices with sustainable development goals relevant to its operations and value chain, with a focus on accelerating progress through active, responsive actions. JA Solar is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where gender equality is a priority, and the rights and interests of female employees are fully protected.
The company’s approach is grounded in adherence to both national and international laws and standards. JA Solar strictly complies with Chinese labor laws, including the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Employment Promotion Law, as well as international conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Conventions. These legal frameworks underpin JA Solar’s commitment to openness, fairness, and impartiality in employment practices, ensuring equal pay for equal work and safeguarding the labor rights of all employees, particularly women.
In addition to its commitment to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, JA Solar has also joined the Forward Faster initiative, launched by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This initiative aims to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals, with a specific focus on gender equality. By 2030, JA Solar aims to achieve equal representation, participation, and leadership of women at all levels of management, as well as to ensure equal pay for equal work across the company.
The company is also working to create an inclusive workplace by removing barriers that hinder women’s entry into the workforce. JA Solar has implemented policies that provide maternity leave, parental leave, breastfeeding leave, and special allowances for female employees. The company places a strong emphasis on caring for its female workforce, offering additional benefits on occasions like Women’s Day and organizing relevant entertainment activities.
In 2023, JA Solar recorded a total of 368,336 instances of female employees participating in training, with an average of 57.8 hours of training per person. The company also boasts a significant representation of women in leadership roles: 33% of its board of directors are female, and women make up 67% of its supervisory board.
JA Solar’s commitment to gender equality represents a broader effort to create a workplace where mutual respect and empowerment are central values, setting a strong example for the industry.