Ethical diamond supplier Dimexon, one of the leading players in the diamond manufacturing industry, announces that it has become a signatory of the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP), a powerful set of guidelines designed to promote gender equality within the workplace, and beyond. 

Dimexon specialises in melee and calibrated round diamonds and is the preferred partner to some of the world’s most exclusive watch and jewellery maisons.

By becoming a signatory of the WEP, Dimexon is furthering its mission of supporting and empowering women in the workplace. This is part of a wider commitment to developing industry-leading sustainable and ethical practices across its entire business, and a long-term plan that will not only advance its own credentials but inspire others in the diamond industry to follow suit, as laid out in its 2022 ESG report.

Dimexon has prioritised the empowerment of women since it was established in Coimbatore, India, in 1966. Having seen the impact of poor working conditions on the women of his hometown, Dimexon founder Pankaj Mehta wanted to create a business that would empower, embolden and support women. He set about building a diamond cutting and polishing facility staffed almost exclusively by women, providing career opportunities and financial independence at a time when this was rare for women in rural India. 

Today, Dimexon’s workforce is 85% female, and it is renowned worldwide for its advocacy of women’s rights and gender equality. This latest commitment to the principles of the WEP was inspired by the diamantaire’s membership of the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030, which it joined in 2022.

Dimexon Director Rajiv Mehta said about Dimexon becoming a WEP Member: Rajiv Mehta, Director of Dimexon, said: “We are proud to now be a signatory of the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP), and to be joining other leaders in the luxury industry. Empowering women has been one of Dimexon’s priorities since its inception, so it felt natural for us to sign up to this initiative as we continue to empower, embolden and support women. Since we became a member in 2022 of the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030, we have been inspired to join WEP and to continue to develop industry-leading sustainable and ethical practices"

Formed by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, WEP offers business guidance on how to promote gender equality in the workplace. By asking CEOs to sign up, it signals a commitment to the principles at the highest possible level and encourages multi-stakeholder networks to work collaboratively to embrace business practices that empower women. These include equal pay, gender-responsive supply chain practices and zero tolerance against sexual harassment in the workplace.

WEP asks all of its signatories to commit to its seven principles, created to empower women:

• Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
• Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination
• Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of workers of all genders 
• Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
• Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women 
• Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
• Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

By committing to WEP, Dimexon has joined fellow industry pioneers dedicated to making a difference, including the Responsible Jewellery Council, LVMH, De Beers and The Watch and Jewelry Initiative 2030.