Accenture is consistently recognised as one of the top global professional services companies. It holds a leading position on Refinitiv’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Index. The company’s inclusion on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for six years in a row is a significant achievement. Moreover, with 45% of its board of directors, 52% of new hires, and 48% of its global workforce being women, Accenture proves its dedication to gender diversity at all organisational levels.
These recognitions highlight the company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Moreover, it particularly highlights Accenture’s promotion of gender equality in IT consulting and professional services. Furthermore, with 33% of its executives being women, Accenture is focused on fostering gender diversity and women’s empowerment. Interestingly, this workforce includes CEO Julie Sweet, who topped FORTUNE’s 2020 “Most Powerful Women” list.
Accenture’s vision for a limitless workplace culture at SheSparks 2024
Accenture’s Ajay Vij on building an inclusive workplace
At SheSparks 2024, Ajay Vij, Accenture’s Country Managing Director in India, shared strategies for promoting gender diversity under the theme ‘Be Without Limits.’ SheSparks is a gathering of influential figures from India focusing on women’s empowerment. Ajay stressed the importance of gender equality and inclusion at work. It echoes Accenture’s goal of achieving a balanced workforce by 2025. Additionally, Ajay highlighted Accenture’s stance on gender-neutral policies. These policies include extending maternity leave to 26 weeks. He also discussed initiatives such as Career Reboot programmes to support those returning to work after breaks.
Ajay Vij suggested a two-part plan to tackle gender inequality in corporate establishments. He proposed supporting senior women and nurturing the next generation of female leaders. He stressed the importance of accessible learning opportunities, especially post-pandemic, encouraging upskilling for professional growth.
Accenture’s Manisha Bhattacharya on empowering the underprivileged
Manisha Bhattacharya, Managing Director of Accenture’s Global Corporate Citizenship program, led a session titled ‘Impacting lives, enabling careers for the underprivileged.’ The aim was to create real change and equal opportunities for marginalised women. Furthermore, the focus was on how women in leadership can help less privileged women access digital opportunities, enabling them to build careers and acquire skills.
Bhattacharya, drawing from her experience at Accenture, highlighted the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, especially in areas like diversity, inclusion, and gender equality, which align with her values. Highlighting technology’s role in empowerment, she pointed out Accenture’s initiatives like the ‘We Act’ platform, developed with the Entrepreneurial Development Institute of India (EDI).
We Act, implemented by the EDI with Accenture’s support, offers structured support to nano and micro women entrepreneurs, helping them make their businesses profitable and sustainable. It’s a unique platform providing services to rural women entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses, a first of its kind. Through such collaborations with NGOs and government initiatives, Accenture aims to provide underprivileged women with the skills and resources necessary in the digital era.
Supporting non-binary voices in the workplace: Accenture gender equality
By 2025, Accenture aims to achieve a gender-balanced workforce while ensuring an inclusive environment. The aim is to create an environment free from discrimination for those with non-binary genders. In India, Accenture has already made changes to its policies to be more inclusive. For instance, they’ve expanded life insurance benefits so employees can nominate anyone, not just family members. Moreover, LGBTQ+ employees can also nominate their partners now.
Maternity leave, once limited to women, is now extended to all eligible employees capable of bearing and giving birth to a child. It includes trans employees who are able to bear a child. That makes them eligible for the 26-week leave.
Accenture Labs, in partnership with Cereproc, developed Sam, a non-binary text-to-speech (TTS) voice. Its integration into various voice assistant software solutions is a breakthrough. They aim to promote the adoption and development of similar non-binary voices like Sam in the future. The idea is to respect the diverse range of non-binary voices worldwide.
Accenture gender equality: The final thoughts
Accenture’s unwavering commitment to gender equality in the workplace shines through its numerous achievements and initiatives. From consistently being recognised as a top global professional services company to its leading position on diversity indices, Accenture sets the bar high. With an impressive representation of women at all levels, including its board of directors and executive team, Accenture’s tireless efforts towards gender equality create a more equitable workplace. Moreover, it also drives meaningful societal impact.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
