Gender equality certification is a voluntary initiative launched in Italy in 2022, aimed at evaluating, improving, and recognizing companies’ commitment to promoting equity between women and men in the workplace. This certification is governed by the UNI/PdR 125:2022 practice and has the main objective of ensuring that companies adopt concrete policies to reduce the gender gap by investing in equal pay, growth opportunities, and measures for reconciling personal and professional life.
The project falls within the National Strategic Plan for Gender Equality 2021-2026, initiated by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Prime Minister’s Office. The creation of the practice has been supported by national standardization and accreditation entities, underscoring the importance of a structured and recognized approach to addressing gender inequalities in the world of work.
The assessment for obtaining the certification is based on six fundamental pillars that constitute a standardized framework for the implementation of gender equality-oriented corporate policies. These pillars include:
1. Culture and strategy
2. Governance
3. HR processes
4. Growth opportunities and women’s inclusion
5. Pay equity
6. Protection of parenthood and work-life balance
Companies that obtain this certification demonstrate a tangible commitment that goes beyond mere statements regarding gender equality, and they can integrate these practices into their sustainability reports. Achieving certification is not only a regulatory compliance issue, but it also offers access to awards in public sectors, enhancing corporate reputation and the ability to attract talent and engage stakeholders who are increasingly focused on social sustainability.
The certification, sometimes referred to as the “pink label,” certifies that a company has effectively implemented policies in favor of gender equity. Through this process, the aims are to:
– Reduce the gender gap: ensuring equal career opportunities and fair salaries.
– Promote inclusion: creating a supportive work environment that considers the needs of all employees, paying attention to the protection of parenthood and the reconciliation between working life and personal life.
– Improve corporate image: highlighting a consistent commitment to social and ethical responsibility.
– Achieve tangible benefits: certified companies may benefit from significant tax reductions, higher scores in public tender processes, and access to European and national funding opportunities.
To obtain the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, companies must follow a well-defined path that begins with an internal analysis and ends with an audit conducted by an accredited third-party entity. The main phases of the process include:
1. **Initial analysis and gap assessment**: the company evaluates its structures and policies through performance indicators, with a minimum score of 60 out of 100 required to obtain certification.
2. **Improvement plan**: if necessary, the company defines specific actions to fill any gaps regarding the required standards.
3. **Certification audit**: a certifying body conducts document checks and interviews to verify the consistency between declared policies and actual practices.
4. **Issuance of certification**: the certification is valid for three years, with annual checks for its maintenance.
Obtaining certification also provides economic and tax advantages, such as significant tax reductions, and a higher score in tenders and public calls. The certification substantially contributes to strengthening the ESG strategy, effectively facilitating the demonstration of measurable commitment to promoting equality and inclusion while improving the ESG rating, which is crucial for access to financing.
Additionally, certified companies can enhance their perception in the job market. Employer branding is strengthened, making it more attractive to potential employees.
