In the midst of debates surrounding greenwashing, we are already witnessing the emergence of a new corporate phenomenon, that of pinkwashing. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, referred to in brief as DE&I, is the latest acronym on everyone’s lips. It is a fundamental part of the S factor in ESG and companies are in a frenzy to set out initiatives that will showcase their commitment to the topic.
Until recently, the focus has been on the E (Environment) and G (Governance) side of ESG, in part due to increasingly stringent reporting regulations and stakeholder pressure, but also due to the ability to measure data, for instance, emissions or waste. The S, however, tends to remain the weakest link. In this issue, we explore why and what companies can do about it.