Walmart announced the launch of a major new public relations initiative aimed to help deal with some of the negative publicity around its treatment of female employees, specifically related to a class-action suit brought against the chain, which was later dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court this year.
"Helping more women live better is a defining issue for our business and our world," said Mike Duke, president and CEO of Walmart, in a statement. "We're stepping up our efforts to help educate, source from and open markets for women around the world. We want women to view us as a retailer that is relevant to them and cares about them. We want them to be leading suppliers, managers and loyal customers."
Walmart has pledged to double the amount of business it conducts with women-owned businesses to $20 billion and provide more than $100 million in grants to train female workers worlwide. The retailer has said it will partner with a number of non-governmental organizations in the endeavor.
"Walmart's global women's initiative has the potential to be a game-changer for women and for economic growth," said Melanne Verveer, U.S. ambassador at large for Global Women's Issues. "By tapping its core competencies as a global retailer, Walmart will empower more women to access markets and develop careers in the global supply chain, transforming their lives and the lives of their families."