Diversity at the heart of our commitments

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, the Groupe BPCE wishes to highlight its actions in favor of diversity and professional equality. The group has made significant progress, but there is still work to be done. In this article, let’s explore the key figures, the initiatives implemented, and our ambitions for the future.

A commitment: gender equality

For the third consecutive year, the Groupe BPCE maintains a stable index of 92 out of 100 in 2024, reflecting our ongoing commitment to a more equitable work environment. This index, which assesses wage equality between women and men, is a key indicator of our performance in terms of diversity.

Regarding the representation of women in our management bodies, we have 37% of women among our executive leaders and 38% within our governing bodies. These figures, although encouraging, remind us of the importance of continuing to promote diversity within our teams.

A strong policy in support of equality

The Groupe BPCE is firmly committed to gender equality through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy structured around three key areas: the representation of women at all levels of responsibility, wage equality, and the fight against sexism and harassment. To realize this commitment, the group has implemented proactive HR policies that promote an inclusive and respectful work environment.

The commitments of the group’s companies are concretely illustrated in the new collective agreements of Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, signed in July 2024. These agreements provide for improvements in certain areas, including recruitment and parental leave, and expand the fight against sexual harassment and sexist behavior to include domestic violence.

Concrete initiatives to promote diversity

The Groupe BPCE has implemented several initiatives to encourage diversity, including:

• Diversity Charter: signed in 2021, it establishes concrete commitments to promote professional equality.
• Boosting careers with UP by BPCE – a gender-balanced leadership program aimed at training and promoting women leaders within BPCE, and DECLIC to support women in the Group’s companies in pursuing their professional trajectories.
• Promotion of professions and internal networks: specific actions to encourage female students to consider careers in the financial sector through events like “Women in Finance.” Furthermore, over 8,000 members participate in our 31 female or mixed networks engaged across all territories, fostering exchange and support among colleagues.
• Training and awareness: training programs for recruiters to combat recruitment biases and ensure a diversity of candidates, as well as awareness actions on sexism and harassment with initiatives like the #StOpE program aimed at creating a more respectful and inclusive work environment.
• AFNOR Label – Professional Equality: the group supports its establishments in renewing this certification, demonstrating its commitment to equality.
• Reduction of pay gaps: dedicated budget envelopes for this crucial issue.

Towards a more equitable future

The Groupe BPCE is determined to achieve ambitious goals: by 2030, we aim for 50% women among executives (47.1% by the end of 2024). To achieve this, we will continue to implement structuring actions and integrate the principle of diversity into all our HR processes.

Diversity and equality are strategic issues for the Groupe BPCE. Every action we implement, every initiative we support, aims to build an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We remain committed to advancing these causes and contributing to a fair professional future.