New Jersey-based companies BD, Campbell Soup Co., Merck, Novartis, Prudential Financial and Unilever are among 380 companies worldwide that have been named to the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index.
The index, in its fourth year, recognizes companies committed to transparency in disclosing gender-related metrics and investment in workplace gender equality. Companies in 44 countries and regions — representing 11 sectors — were selected.
Other companies selected that have a substantial New Jersey presence include Barclays, Bayer, FirstEnergy and JPMorgan Chase.
The GEI is intended to bring transparency to gender-related practices and policies at publicly listed companies, increasing the breadth of environmental, social, governance data available to investors. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies and pro-women brand.
Camille Pierce, Campbell’s chief culture officer, said gender equality is a core pillar of the company’s strategic plan. Campbell has been selected to the list the past three years.
“At Campbell, building an inclusive and diverse organization where all employees can be real, and feel safe, valued and supported to do their best work, is an enterprise-wide priority and a key component of our business strategy,” Pierce said. “We are proud to be included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index in recognition of our commitment to gender equality across our company.”
Pierce, who was named the company’s first chief culture officer last fall, said Campbell promotes gender equality at all levels of the organization with initiatives such as the Women of Campbell, an employee resource group designed to develop and empower women and build allies within the organization. Campbell also partners with the Network of Executive Women to provide employees with professional development and networking opportunities.
