September Editorial by Aurore Mayer: Gender Parity—An Inspiration for Transformation, a Breath of Fresh Air for the Organization

What difference does gender parity make?

How might this change us as individuals?

Will this change the lives of women—and men—in the workplace and, more broadly, in society?

Gender parity is often discussed as a goal to be achieved, a metric to improve, and a commitment to uphold. It’s true—the Rixain Act, which requires companies to have 40% women in senior management positions by 2029, is there to remind us of this. But gender parity isn’t just about numbers: it’s first and foremost a dynamic that sets the organization in motion.

Behind every change are women and men who dare to blaze new trails. Through their journeys, their choices, and their commitment, they become role models who enable others to envision their own futures, gain confidence, and dare to take risks themselves. They inspire individuals while giving the organization room to breathe.

Inspiration—and with it, boldness—often stems from encounters with people whose talent, authenticity, or drive to take action inspire us to see beyond the obvious. And when the number of these role models grows—when more women from diverse backgrounds gain access to professions, positions of responsibility, or decision-making roles where they were previously underrepresented, and when men allow themselves to take on different leadership roles or styles—something changes. New paths open up. Role models become more diverse. Horizons broaden. For everyone.

The Parity Network highlights these dedicated women and men through events such as the Parité cafés, during which Caroline Grandjean spoke about her career path, the questions she has faced, and her responsibilities as a senior executive of the Group.

The Network’s mentoring program, whose second edition has just been launched, also spotlights inspiring women who support the “Un Une” Network’s ambassadors. These “memorable” encounters “build confidence,” “encourage boldness,” and make participants feel less alone, as the participants in the first cohort have attested.

The show “A part Egale,” which is attracting an ever-growing audience, features interviews with various personalities. After each episode airs, we receive feedback from listeners explaining that “it was a real coaching session,” “it gave me the courage to take a chance,” “I became aware of certain biases,” “it made me want to get involved”…

Gender parity inspires individual journeys just as much as it transforms the ways we act together. And our community of ambassadors knows this well. The strength of a network makes this possible. It also serves as a breath of fresh air for the organization. The diversity of perspectives and the convergence of minds help us take a step back, push beyond our boundaries, and open up new possibilities. In this way, gender parity brings a fresh perspective to how we think, make decisions, and act.

Your “Un Une” Parity Network is convinced that the transformations of tomorrow can only be achieved by harnessing all our energy and talent. That is why gender parity is not just a matter of fairness—it is a matter of vitality. It is because you, the members of the network, embody this principle and bring it to life year-round across all regions and in all lines of business that gender parity is bringing a breath of positive change to the Group.

Thank you for that, and have a great start to the school year, everyone!
Aurore Mayer
Director of the UN UNE Parity Network