FDJ commits to gender equality charter #JamaisSansElles

Groupe FDJ
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Groupe FDJ has pledged its commitment to #JamaisSansElles (NeverWithoutThem), a French business directive aimed at promoting gender diversity across all workplaces.

23 members of the French national lottery operator’s executive management committee have signed the charter, with FDJ becoming the first company listed on the Paris Euronext SBF-80 to commit its entire corporate leadership to the initiative.

Launched in 2016 by female and non-binary entrepreneurs, the #JamaisSansElles charter seeks to improve French businesses’ gender equality and awareness of inclusion barriers.

“Diversity is a societal battle which has certainly progressed but for which a great deal of effort still remains to be done,” commented Stephane Pallez, CEO and President of Group FDJ.

“The FDJ group is strongly invested in the field of equality between women and men. We are convinced of the need for a collective commitment at all levels of the company and in all professions, particularly technological but not only, to move the lines.

“FDJ’s #JamaissansElles charter illustrates our desire to go even further in the group’s commitment. It is the result of collaborative work between women and men who feel concerned within all our departments.”

Businesses that join the charter must commit to adopting a best-balanced approach to gender-equal workplace HR, compensation, management, talent development and developing career opportunities.

To date, the gender equality movement has secured the signature of 800 business leaders, representing French corporations home and abroad.

Tatiana F-Salomon, President and Founder of #JamaisSansElles, added: “Welcoming FDJ into the movement is both a joy and an enthusiasm for us and the result of a common and well-considered desire by all of the company’s management to advance diversity, equality between women and men and humanist values.

“Each #JamaisSansElles charter proposes concrete commitments to advance the participation of women in all decision-making, management and representation bodies. It is also a tool for creating a dynamic of balance and ascension towards true shared governance.”

Last month, FDJ announced that it had raised over €100m for heritage and cultural landmark restoration projects.