In a significant victory for working women everywhere, Goldman Sachs has agreed to pay $215 million to settle a longstanding class action lawsuit, which accused the financial powerhouse of gender discrimination, and taking a step towards empowering women in the workplace.

The settlement will benefit approximately 2,800 female Associates and Vice Presidents who held positions within the company's Investment Banking, Investment Management, or Securities Divisions in New York between July 7, 2002, and March 28, 2023, as well as those employed in other parts of the United States from September 10, 2004, through March 28, 2023.

Initially filed in September 2010, the lawsuit alleged widespread gender discrimination in pay, performance evaluations, and promotion opportunities at Goldman Sachs. After more than a decade of tenacious litigation, the two parties have finally reached an agreement, highlighting the importance of female career development and creating a more equitable work environment.

Jacqueline Arthur, Goldman Sachs Global Head of Human Capital Management, said in a statement, "After more than a decade of vigorous litigation, both parties have agreed to resolve this matter."

As part of the settlement, Goldman Sachs has agreed to collaborate with independent experts to conduct additional analyses on performance evaluation processes, promotion procedures from vice president to managing director, and pay equity studies. The company will investigate and address any identified gender pay gaps as appropriate. Additionally, Goldman Sachs has committed to enhancing communications with vice presidents regarding career development and promotion criteria, emphasizing the value of female career development.

Arthur emphasized the company's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, saying, "Goldman Sachs is proud of its long record of promoting and advancing women and remains committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace for all our people. We will continue to focus on our people, our clients, and our business, empowering women in the workplace."

The plaintiffs in the nearly 13-year-old lawsuit expressed pride in the outcome of the case. Plaintiff Shanna Orlich said in a statement, "As one of the original plaintiffs, I have been proud to support this case without hesitation over the last nearly thirteen years and believe this settlement will help the women I had in mind when I filed the case."

Fellow plaintiff Allison Gamba added, "I am proud that the result we achieved here will advance gender equity and contribute to empowering women in the workplace."

The announcement of this settlement comes just before a trial was set to begin in June, thereby averting a potentially lengthy and costly legal battle.

The resolution of this case serves as an important reminder to working women that standing up for our rights and fighting for gender equality can lead to meaningful change. The perseverance and courage of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit have paved the way for a more equitable workplace, not only at Goldman Sachs but across the corporate landscape, making strides in empowering women in the workplace and promoting female career development.