According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in three women worldwide have been subjected to violence in their lifetime, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence. This devastating public health crisis not only harms women and their children, but society overall. While the problem is severe, it’s also preventable.

As part of our ESG commitment, we are committed to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for women, and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

CGI has invested in numerous initiatives to help prevent violence against women across the globe. Here are a few examples:

  • Canada: We support the Yellow Brick House, a shelter for abused women and children, by providing volunteers, supplies, and fundraising. We also engage in awareness activities, including hosting in Fall 2024 a panel discussion on addressing gender-based violence. In addition, our internal Domestic and Family Violence Support Program educates our professionals and assists those impacted by gender-based violence.
  • U.S.: We volunteer, raise money, and provide laptops for Shelter House, a haven for those in crisis, including victims of domestic violence. For these efforts, we were honored to receive in 2024 the Shelter House’s Corporate Impact Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.
  • Czech Republic: We raise awareness through initiatives such as a 2024 roundtable discussion on how employers can best support employees who are victims of violence. The event was organized in partnership with one of our clients and the Charter of Diversity, which brings companies in the Czech Republic together to advance social responsibility. It was attended by government and business experts, as well as representatives of the European Commission.
  • France: We provide domestic violence resources to our professionals, including practical guides for those who are experiencing domestic violence or know of a colleague who is, as well as managers with team members who face domestic violence. We also host awareness events to educate our professionals on domestic violence.
  • India: We collaborated with Prajwala, a pioneering organization combating human trafficking, to raise funds for the education of girl children, empowering them with opportunities for a brighter future. Through 'I'm Every Woman,' we educated bus drivers and street cleaners on recognizing and preventing sexual harassment, fostering a safer public environment. Additionally, we organized events like She ARISES to promote female empowerment and partnered with BPAC to develop a mobile app enabling public safety audits, enhancing community safety measures.

Investment in such initiatives helps expose the pervasiveness of violence against women, as well as its societal harm, while providing direct help to its victims. Learn more about our ESG commitment, values, and work.