Accenture envisioning gender-balanced workforce by 2025

Accenture on Wednesday announced its vision to achieve a gender-balanced workforce by 2025, with 50 percent women and 50 percent men.

"Diversity makes our business stronger and more innovative and, most important, it makes the world a better place. With this new goal, we are sending an important message to our people and our clients confirming our commitment to a gender-balanced workforce," said Pierre Nanterme, Accenture's Chairman and CEO.

Currently, Accenture has 1, 50,000 women, accounting for nearly 40 percent of its global workforce. Over the past several years the company has set milestones on the path to gender equality, including the promotion of women to top positions in the firm.

Apart from this, the company has sponsored most senior women to advance in P&L roles. Since its inception six years ago, approximately 80 percent of the women in the global executive leadership program have been promoted or have significantly expanded their areas of responsibility.

The company has set and published clear, measurable targets to grow its number of women, and has published its workforce demographics in many countries, including the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Japan, India and ASEAN countries.

The tech giant has also launched initiatives that provide women with in-demand skills. The company's 'Women in Technology' program helps upgrade the careers of high-performing women toward the position of Technical Architect, a high-demand and short-supply role.

"We embrace diversity as a source of creativity and competitive advantage. As we work toward '50 by 25,' our ultimate goal is to create a truly human environment where people have a real sense of belonging, where they can show up every day, be who they are and be their best, both professionally and personally," said Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer at Accenture.