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France Flag France Gender Equality Index Guide

Last reviewed: May 2026

Companies with at least 50 employees must calculate and publish the Index de l'egalite professionnelle each year by March 1. Employers scoring below 85 points have additional correction or progress-objective obligations.

Preparing Data for the French Gender Equality Index Report​

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step guidance on preparing and reporting data for France's Gender Equality Index (Index de l'égalité professionnelle femmes-hommes), based on the French government's guidelines.

For comprehensive guidance, refer to the French government's official resource: Index de l'egalite professionnelle.

Who Needs to Report: French Gender Equality Index Requirements​

Employers with at least 50 employees are required to calculate and publish their Gender Equality Index annually. Companies that newly reach the 50-employee threshold have three years to declare the index.

French Gender Equality Index Reporting Deadline​

The Gender Equality Index must be calculated, published, and transmitted each year by March 1. Employers also provide the results and publication details to the Social and Economic Committee (CSE).

What to Report: 5 Key Gender Equality Indicators​

The Gender Equality Index is scored out of 100 points. The indicators vary by company size:

  1. Gender pay gap (40 points): Measures the average pay gap between women and men
  2. Difference in individual salary increases (20 points): Assesses disparities in salary increases between genders
  3. Gap in promotion rates (15 points): Applies to companies with more than 250 employees
  4. Increases upon return from maternity leave (15 points): Checks if women received salary increases upon returning from maternity leave, provided increases occurred during their leave
  5. Gender distribution among top 10 highest salaries (10 points): Examines the representation of women among the ten highest-paid employees

Employers must also communicate details of these indicators to the Social and Economic Committee (CSE) and the Labor Inspectorate (DREETS).

Results Below 85 or 75 Points​

  • Index below 85 points: employers must set and publish progress objectives for each indicator where improvement is needed
  • Index below 75 points: employers must publish corrective measures, which may include salary catch-up measures
  • Measures and objectives are published on the same page as the index results until the employer reaches the required score

How to Report: French Gender Equality Index Submission Process​

Employers must:

  1. Calculate the Index: Using the specified indicators, compute the overall score
  2. Publish the Results: Display the Index score prominently on the company's website in a visible and legible manner
  3. Submit to Authorities: Transmit the detailed results to the Ministry of Labor via the Egapro website

Penalties for Non-Compliance with French Gender Equality Index​

Failure to publish the Gender Equality Index in a visible and readable manner can result in a penalty of up to 1% of the company's annual payroll.

EU Pay Transparency Directive Readiness​

France already has one of the EU's most developed national pay transparency regimes, but the directive will add harmonized rules on applicant pay information, salary history bans, worker information rights, category-level pay gap reporting for employers with 100+ workers, and joint pay assessments for unexplained gaps of at least 5%. Employers should map the French index data to directive metrics, especially median gaps, variable pay gaps, quartile distribution, and categories of equal work or work of equal value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

What is the French Gender Equality Index deadline?​

The deadline is March 1 each year for all employers with 50+ employees.

How is the French Gender Equality Index calculated?​

The index uses 5 indicators: gender pay gap (40 points), salary increases (20 points), promotions (15 points), maternity leave increases (15 points), and top 10 salaries (10 points).

What happens if I miss the March 1 deadline?​

Failure to publish can result in penalties up to 1% of your annual payroll.

What happens if my index is below 85?​

Scores below 85 require published progress objectives. Scores below 75 require corrective measures and can lead to stronger enforcement if the employer does not improve.

Do I need to report if I have 40 employees?​

No, the threshold is 50 employees. Companies with fewer than 50 employees are not required to report.

Where do I submit my French Gender Equality Index?​

Submit through the official Egapro website and publish on your company website.

Is the French Gender Equality Index mandatory for public sector?​

Yes, both private and public sector organizations with 50+ employees must comply.

For detailed information and updates, refer to the French government's official guidance: Index de l'egalite professionnelle.

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