The Gender Benchmark series, initiated in 2018 by the World Benchmarking Alliance, assesses how companies promote gender equality and women’s empowerment across their value chains. It aims to hold influential global companies accountable for their contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The benchmark uses a structured methodology developed through years of research and collaboration with experts and stakeholders. It aligns with established frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Women’s Empowerment Principles, and the Global Reporting Initiative. Assessment areas include governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community impact.

This benchmark provides finance professionals with publicly available, standardised data to evaluate corporate performance on gender equality. Investors can use it to inform stewardship, engagement, and investment decisions, enabling them to identify risks, assess progress, and encourage greater accountability within companies and sectors.