BNP Paribas’ International Women’s week
celebrated, showcased and socialised its gender diversity ambitions and female
talent, and was held in conjunction with International Women’s day that took
place on Wednesday 8th March. The week included events in New York, EMEA and
APAC.
In the UK, BNP Paribas’ MixCity network
hosted a series of roundtable events, inspirational talks and business
networking sessions, all aimed at providing employees- male and female- with an
opportunity to engage with BNP Paribas’ gender goals and help shape the bank’s
continued gender diversity journey. This included inviting scientist and the
first Briton into space, Dr Helen Sharman, as the keynote speaker to discuss
how she encourages teamwork and the mind-set required to embrace challenges.
Over 900 staff attended the UK events in total. One of the main highlights was
the 10 Harewood Avenue photo exhibition, showcasing BNP Paribas’ most senior
female leaders, each of whom are contributing to the bank’s mission of being a
diverse, inclusive and stimulating workplace.
The women in space theme continued in the
Americas, where MixCity US screened the documentary ‘MAKERS: Women in Space’
for their staff. Other events were also held as part of ‘Women’s History
Month’, including a speed networking and professional development sessions,
along with a Bankwide “Wear Purple Day” in support of gender diversity. A press
evening attended by 17 journalists was also held with BNP Paribas spokeswomen. 
Paris organised a BNP Paribas MixCity
international women’s conference, with Group CEO Jean-Laurent Bonnafé
discussing the road ahead for gender diversity. In addition, the conference
included insight from Marie-Claire Capobianco, Head of Retail Banking France,
alongside talks from other senior management.
In APAC, BNP Paribas sponsored and participated at the
International Women’s Day event organized by French Chamber of Commerce in
partnership with WE@HKEx and Hong Kong University in support of the HeForShe
Initiative for UN on gender equality and women empowerment. The panel involved
Greater China CEO Paul Yang.
Additionally BNP Paribas’ Natalie Shaw, Managing Director & Head of
Distribution Equity Cash Asia Pacific, moderated a Women at Work panel for the
Hong Kong Exchange. The region was also host to Mix City events in Hong Kong
and Singapore, all aimed at aligning efforts towards closing the gender gap
through open and collaborative discussions.
All
events held across International Women’s Week were shared on BNP Paribas CIB’s
social media channels, with 41 posts across Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat and
Pulse. For all the best moments from International Women’s Week, please click
on our Twitter Moments.