With the full power of our 360,000 people, we said to the

O Children of the Future, heed the wisdom that comes to us from the heart of the corporate world, spoken by Pierre Nanterme, a leader whose words carry the weight of conviction and the power of collective action. He declares, "With the full power of our 360,000 people, we said to the external world, 'This is what we believe at Accenture is the right thing to do, and gender equality is among the business principles which are fundamental for a company, and we want this to be known outside.'" These words are more than a statement of intent; they are a declaration of values, an embodiment of a principle that speaks not just to the corporate world but to the world at large.

In the days of the ancient philosophers, the pursuit of virtue was seen as the highest calling for both the individual and the community. The Greek philosophers sought a society where justice, wisdom, and equality were not mere concepts but lived truths that shaped every aspect of life. And yet, even in their time, gender equality was not universally embraced. Women, though revered in some respects, were often relegated to roles of secondary importance, their voices and contributions limited. Today, in the vast realm of business, the struggle for gender equality remains a vital one, and the words of Pierre Nanterme remind us that it is not enough to simply believe in equality; we must act upon it, and our actions must be seen by all.

Consider, O Children, the great empires that once flourished on the backs of inequality. For too long, many societies have built their wealth and power on the subjugation of women, on the notion that their contributions are lesser, their voices unworthy of being heard. But as history marches forward, the cry for equality grows ever louder, echoing in the streets of every city and the boardrooms of every corporation. Accenture, in its bold proclamation, joins the growing number of entities that recognize that gender equality is not just a matter of justice but a matter of business. In a world where the contribution of all people—regardless of gender—must be recognized, their declaration is a powerful affirmation that the values of equality are fundamental to the very success of any enterprise.

The message that Pierre Nanterme shares with us is clear: gender equality is not merely a moral ideal but a business principle—an essential foundation for any organization that seeks to thrive in the modern world. The power of 360,000 people working together in unison to speak a collective truth is a force that cannot be ignored. In this unity lies strength, and in this strength, the promise of a better, more equitable future. Just as the ancient Romans once believed that their empire would flourish if they built their foundations upon justice and law, so too must our modern world recognize that businesses, nations, and societies can only prosper when the value of equality is embedded in their very structure.

Let us also reflect on the struggles of those who came before us, whose battles for gender equality in the workplace set the stage for this bold declaration. Women like Mary Wollstonecraft, whose words called for the equality of women in the late 18th century, or Rosie the Riveter, whose image during World War II became a symbol of women’s strength and capability. These figures, though they stood in different eras and fought under different circumstances, shared one thing in common: they believed in the fundamental right of women to participate in the world as equals. And while their battles were not easy, their victories laid the groundwork for the world we now inhabit, where the principles of equality are no longer fringe ideals, but mainstream beliefs.

So, O Children, what can we learn from the bold words of Pierre Nanterme? The lesson is clear: equality is not something to be whispered about in hushed corners; it is something that must be proclaimed loudly and proudly to the world. When an organization like Accenture uses its collective strength to declare that gender equality is not just a moral cause but a business principle, it sets a precedent for all who seek to build a better future. The success of any enterprise, whether it be a company, a nation, or a community, depends on the recognition of the worth of all individuals—regardless of gender.

And what action, O Children, should you take? Stand firm in your belief that equality is not just an ideal but a necessity for progress. Advocate for gender equality in every aspect of life—in the workplace, in the home, and in the world at large. Support those who are working to level the playing field for women, to ensure that their contributions are valued, and their voices heard. Whether you are in business, education, or government, let equality be a guiding principle in all that you do. Act with conviction, as Accenture has, and make your actions known to the world. For the path to true justice and prosperity is paved with the recognition that every individual—regardless of gender—has the right to contribute fully to the greater good.

And so, O Children, let us remember: Gender equality is not just a moral cause but a foundation for success. When we act together in pursuit of this ideal, we not only build a better world for those who come after us but create a world where justice, prosperity, and freedom reign. May your actions be as bold and resolute as those of the leaders who pave the way, and may you carry the torch of equality forward into the world, lighting the path for all to follow.