Kao selected for inclusion in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Kao Corporation has been selected for inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which identifies companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the area of gender reporting and measures to advance gender equality. This is the third year in a row that Kao has been named to the index. In 2021, a total of 380 companies from 44 different countries and regions were chosen to be included in the GEI. 

The GEI is an index developed by Bloomberg in order to realize a higher level of transparency in relation to the information that corporations disclose. It is the world's only comprehensive investment-quality data source on gender equality, and aims to quantify, from a gender equality perspective, the gender ratio of participation in individual companies' initiatives, the formulation of employees codes of conduct, support for and participation in external communication, and provision of products that embody gender equality ideals.
 
Regarding Kao's inclusion in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Akio Matsui, Senior Vice President for Human Capital Development at Kao Corporation, noted that "Kao aims to provide new value for society by leveraging diversity to generate vitality. To this end, we welcome individual employees' diverse personalities and values, and as an organization we strive to enable them to develop their individual passions and capabilities as much as possible. While continuing to promote Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), Kao will also be endeavoring to enhance the transparency of our activities, and in doing so will strengthen our corporate value by creating revolutionary new value for society."
 
In April 2019, the Kao Group established its ESG strategy, named the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, and the creation of inclusive and diverse workplaces is one of the prioritized actions of the Plan. Kao will also implement its unique ESG activities including D&I promotion globally to deliver satisfaction and enriched lives for people around the world, and to contribute to the sustainability of society.