Gender equality: a look back of some of 2019’s highlights for BNP Paribas

Promoting greater gender equality is a key priority at BNP Paribas. Every year, the Group strengthens its commitment to professional equality and female entrepreneurship, and takes actions to promote female economic independence. We focus on five of 2019’s highlights.

Promoting corporate gender diversity

1. BNP Paribas: the first CAC40 company to join the #JamaisSansElles movement

In December 2019, the BNP Paribas executive committee signed the #JamaisSansElles charter, becoming the first CAC40 company to join this movement aimed at promoting gender diversity. To ensure better representation of women at public and media events, each signatory member undertakes that they will no longer participate in events - either internal or external - involving more than three participants if no woman is present.

2. Diversity and Inclusion Week: a special time for BNP Paribas employees

Diversity and Inclusion Week, which was held from October 14 to 18, provided all Group staff with a unique opportunity to gather and make shared progress on the issues of promoting and respecting diversity within the company. Many Group countries engaged in action on a variety of topics, including gender equality. 

Taking action for female economic independenceFed Cup by BNP Paribas: a French victory for women’s economic independence

At the Fed Cup final, held on 9th and 10th November in Perth, Australia, the Group (the event’s sponsor) made a donation to the Dress For Success association, through its “Aces du cœur” initiative. Dress for Success’s mission is to empower women to attain economic independence.

UN Women and BNP Paribas launch a programme to promote the financial independence of women in Senegal

On 8th March 2019, UN Women and BNP Paribas signed a partnership to develop climate-resilient agriculture and female entrepreneurship with the PAFADD, a project to support women in agriculture and sustainable development.

Supporting female entrepreneurship

1. BNP Paribas renews its commitments to female entrepreneurship in 2019

In 2019, the Group activated a new 2-billion-euro tranche of investment credits to promote female entrepreneurship projects. In addition, 10% of equity-financed investments by BNP Paribas (by number) will be made by female entrepreneurs.

2. BNP Paribas publishes the 2nd edition of the Observatoire de l’Entrepreneuriat féminin study

Created in 2018 by BNP Paribas in partnership with the Occurrence consultancy, this study represents an assessment of the requirements, expectations and difficulties encountered by female entrepreneurs in France.

Making women part of the climate debateBNP Paribas signs the Charter for Engagement on women leading climate action

In June, members of the Women & Climate Daring Circle, including BNP Paribas, signed the Charter for Engagement on women leading climate action in Kyoto. Its signatories committed themselves to advancing five key objectives, in order to give a greater role to women in the fight against climate change.

Women’s Forum Global Meeting 2019: women at the heart of climate issues

BNP Paribas is supporting the Women’s Forum Global Meeting, which was held in November 2019 at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. The aim of the Forum is to make women’s voices heard on global issues in order to create a positive impact within societies. This 15th edition was held under the theme of “Taking the lead for inclusion: accelerating impact”.

Supporting creative initiatives to promote women’s rights  

BNP Paribas provides support for Anastasia Mikova and Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s film WOMAN 

BNP Paribas is the main partner for the film WOMAN, which was screened for the first time at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. In addition to its goal of drawing attention to a number of injustices faced by women, this film highlights their determination to overcome obstacles and stereotypes.