Gap Inc. equality and belonging report highlights diversity, inclusion efforts

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 30, 2021

Gap Inc. unveiled on Tuesday its first stand–alone equality and belonging report, which summarizes developments, actions, and progress toward driving systemic change.

The 21-page report highlights U.S. programs and activities between June 2020 and April 2021 and addresses four main commitments, starting with supporting workplace equity where Gap Inc, which operates the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta brands, removed educational requirements for 99.7 percent of job descriptions below the vice-president level to support workplace equity. 

Meanwhile, the company increased diversity in its Rotational Management Program and is now a founding member of the Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC) through its partnership with Business Roundtable, which supports the build of economic mobility for individuals and families of Black and Brown communities, including a commitment to criminal justice reform work.

Likewise, to champion inclusion, Gap Inc. invited inclusion strategist Amber Cabral to host nearly 40 sessions and workshops with employees, including a new global "Real Talk" series. The company also updated its employee learning curriculum and more to include mandatory racial equity training and the integration of inclusion and equity content. 

Gap Inc. equally donated over $500,000 to Historically Black Colleges & Universities design departments to support educational infrastructure and scholarships in partnership with Harlem's Fashion Row's 'Closing the Gap'. 

On the brand side, the Gap brand created 'The Gap Collective', a collaborative featuring artists honoring moments such as the 2020 presidential election and Black History Month, while Old Navy created 'Project We', a collection of limited-edition graphic tees designed by diverse artists honoring cultural moments including, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Pride, Juneteenth, and Latinx Heritage Month.

Finally, Gap Inc. donated 3.5 million masks and face coverings to community organizations in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. For employees, the company offered 48 'Be Well + Stay Connected' speaker series conversations focused on the importance of mental health and wellness throughout the pandemic.

“Our long-standing legacy of support for human rights and social causes is real and measurable, but we know there is more work to be done,” said Sheila Peters, chief people officer at Gap Inc. “This pivotal moment demands that we deepen our resolve and drive with even greater urgency – because we know that when inclusion isn’t optional, a new world of possibilities opens.”