Bloomberg Opens Data Submission Period for 2021 Gender-Equality Index

Companies can submit their gender-related data via Bloomberg's Gender Reporting Framework as of today, June 1. By putting data forward using Bloomberg’s Gender Reporting Framework companies will be considered for inclusion in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies most committed to gender equality in the workplace.

Investors are increasingly seeking more environmental, social and governance (ESG) data to incorporate into their investment and risk analysis. Yet, data on gender equality is often lacking. Measuring gender equality across five dimensions – female leadership & talent pipeline, equal pay & gender pay parity, sexual harassment policies, inclusive culture, and pro-women brand – the Bloomberg Gender Reporting Framework encourages the disclosure of company-specific social data to fill those gaps. GEI data is displayed alongside other ESG data on the Bloomberg Terminal.

“We can drive change through transparency. Companies reporting their gender-related data are setting the right example for their employees, shareholders and all stakeholders across the communities that they operate in alike,” said Patricia Torres, Head of Sustainable Finance Solutions at Bloomberg. “The data that is collected via the Bloomberg Gender Reporting Framework is critical in helping investors screen for companies that are making gender equality in the workplace a priority.”

Companies can provide information via the Bloomberg Gender Reporting Framework that allows multiple users to easily and accurately enter data on behalf of their firm. Companies are provided with a pre-populated framework, where available, using data that is collected by Bloomberg from company filings. Subject matter experts in Bloomberg’s data team review the entered information using an enhanced real-time data validation process, thereby significantly making the submission process easier and more efficient. Companies can provide data until Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Companies are scored based on disclosure and data excellence components. Those that meet or exceed a globally established threshold are included in the annual index. However, all companies that provide gender-related data will receive a comprehensive scorecard helping them assess their progress towards parity. This allows them to easily identify areas for improvement and compare their performance against peers.

While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company’s investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index and submit data within the open submission period. Companies across all industries and geographies are eligible. Submitting data using the Bloomberg Gender Reporting Framework is voluntary and has no associated costs. The full methodology is available here.

The 2021 GEI will be announced next January. In 2020, 325 global companies spanning 50 industries and headquartered across 42 countries and regions are included in the index. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. For more information please visit the GEI website or reach out to our Bloomberg data analysts at GEI@bloomberg.net to learn more about how to submit your company-specific gender data.