Equality is good business concludes new report

How companies perform on gender equality gives an indication of the company's future growth, profit and opportunities, concludes the report "Investing in Gender Equality", carried out by PwC on behalf of CARE and Storebrand.

Jan Erik Saugestad, CEO Storebrand Asset Management, says the report confirms and reinforces what Storebrand has known for a long time.

– Companies with a strong performance in gender equality and diversity have a better competitive advantage, giving an above average future growth and profitability. Gender equality and diversity provide a better basis for seeing opportunities and threats from several angles. Investing in gender equality and diversity also contributes to stronger economic growth, bringing us closer to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Until now, there have been few analyzes of whether Nordic companies that perform well on gender equality also do better in business. 65 listed Nordic companies have been investigated - and the findings show a clear connection. Several Norwegian investors are also interviewed about to which extent they take in consideration gender equality in the investment process.

The report shows that gender equality can reduce risk in investments and contribute to increased profitability.

The report goes through previous analyzes and research on the connection between profitability and gender equality, showing that gender diversity in a company provides more critical and creative thinking, resulting in more ideas, more innovation, a stronger culture, higher productivity, and better leadership.

To the full report «Investing in Gender Equality»

For more information contact:

Margrethe Assev, Strategic Cmmunications Advisor Sustainability.
E-post: margrethe.assev@storebrand.no. Tlf: + 47 95 15 50 56