The coordinator of POWER, Maria João Guedes, and Anne Sophie Grübler are the authors of the study Balanced Gender Boards and Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance, published in the 2025 special issue of Risk Governance & Control: Financial Markets & Institutions. This study examines the relationship between gender balance on boards and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The findings show that gender diversity has a positive impact on companies’ ESG performance, suggesting that a balanced representation of women and men on boards benefits corporate sustainability.
Furthermore, the study identifies the optimal level of diversity that maximizes ESG performance: companies reach their peak ESG performance when approximately 60% of board members are women. These results highlight that gender diversity should not only be seen as a step toward equality but also as a strategic asset in corporate governance.
This research provides valuable insights for academics, business leaders, and policymakers committed to fostering a more sustainable and inclusive business world
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