BNP PARIBAS AND BANK OF THE WEST CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
WITH UN WOMEN’S ‘HEFORSHE’ MOVEMENT AT THE BNP PARIBAS OPEN
Stadium 1 Back Walls Color Changed to Magenta on International Women’s Day
in support of UN Women’s HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality
Donation of $100 to UN Women for Every Ace, demonstrating commitment to gender equality
NEW YORK, NY / INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 8, 2019 – BNP Paribas, one of the leading sponsors of tennis globally, will mark this year’s International Women’s Day by changing the color of the back walls in Stadium 1 to Magenta at the BNP Paribas Open, with a dedicated message in support of UN Women’s HeForShe movement, which seeks to engage men and boys as advocates for gender equality.
Additionally, the Bank will be donating $100 for every “ace” served on that day to the UN Women US National Committee. Tournament attendees are also invited to Bank of the West’s photo activation booth, where it will make an additional $10 donation to UN Women’s work on women and girls’ empowerment for every photo taken by participants who opt in to promote the movement.
Gender equality is at the heart of BNP Paribas’ company engagement strategy. As a major supporter of UN Women’s HeForShe movement, BNP Paribas is committed to increasing gender diversity in traditionally male or female-dominated professions within the banking industry and raising awareness of gender equality globally. The company also serves as title partner for the HeForShe movement’s advocacy and programmatic work, and leverages the HeForShe initiative to reach women entrepreneurs working to develop renewable energies around the world.
“We are proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day by supporting UN Women and their HeForShe solidarity movement at this year’s BNP Paribas Open,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, Chief Executive Officer, BNP Paribas USA and Chairman of CIB Americas. “Gender equality is extremely important to us at BNP Paribas, and we are seeing our continued efforts taking hold – with women leaders accounting for significant percentage of this years’ senior-level promotions. I’m pleased that our pledge to diversity and inclusion, and specifically to our partners at UN Women, has come to life here at the stadium today.”
“As a female CEO – one of a few in global banking – I recognize International Women’s Day as a meaningful moment to acknowledge all that’s been accomplished with regard to advancing gender diversity,” said Nandita Bakhshi President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of the West and Co-Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas USA Inc. “We’re proud to celebrate International Women’s Day alongside some of our women entrepreneur clients who are with us at the stadium today, and to support HeForShe.”
As title sponsor of the tournament since 2009, BNP Paribas’ commitment to the sport of tennis – above its partnerships at all levels of the game – is reflected by a wide range of social, educational and charitable activities across the tennis world, including the annual BNP Paribas Open. BNP Paribas has been engaged in major philanthropy initiatives for 30 years through its Foundation, focusing its activities on three main areas: the Arts, Social Inclusion, and the Environment – giving over 40 million Euros per year.
