Entrepreneur and workplace equality campaigner awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol

Addressing inequalities in the workplace and tackling the gender pay gap, innovative Dr. Zara Nanu MBE has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.

Zara founded Gapsquare in 2016, a leading technology company that helps organizations identify and close the gender pay gap. Using data analytics and machine learning to provide insights into pay disparities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Gapsquare has enabled businesses to develop effective strategies to make work environments more equitable.

Zara, who completed her PhD at UWE Bristol, received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the university in recognition of her commitment to tackling inequalities in the workplace. He is one of three people to receive honorary degrees at the university’s graduation ceremonies, held at Bristol Beacon this week, for their outstanding achievements in their chosen fields and their significant contribution to Bristol.

Following the acquisition of Gapsquare by RELX, a FTSE100-listed company, Zara launched a new company called WorkVue, which addresses wider workplace inequalities, providing workers with data on pay, skills and labor market intelligence.

After receiving the honorary degree from UWE Bristol, Zara said: “It is a great honor to receive this degree. “This inspires me and strengthens my determination to create a fair and equal future of work.”

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Zara is also a member of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Harvard Women’s Leadership Board. She is an influential voice on DEI globally and actively collaborates with policymakers, pushing for legislation that promotes pay transparency and accountability in closing pay gaps.

Sarah Grabham, deputy head of UWE Bristol School of Business and Law, said: “Zara is a tireless advocate and pioneering entrepreneur supporting women in business, particularly in the South West. “The ability to bring together technology, policy and social activism to create long-term and sustainable change in today’s workplaces will undoubtedly be an inspiration to our students.”