At the recent G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, global leaders tackled numerous critical issues, including a focused discussion on advancing gender equality through private-sector collaboration and gender equality certification systems.
Independent certifications, such as EDGE Certification, are part of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) systems. These market-driven mechanisms incentivize companies to align their economic activities with broader societal goals, generating shared benefits for all stakeholders. Having seen the impact of EDGE Certification firsthand, I can attest to their benefits which unfold in very similar ways across various certified organizations:
- The emphasis on clear and measurable data helps ensure that current status, progress and impact are consistently tracked.
- This systematic and structured approach allows for transparent reporting and independent verification and certification.
- The certification provides visible recognition and credibility of an organization’s stage of the gender and intersectional equity journey.
- The reputational value added by the certification can lead to enhanced brand reputation and increased capacity to attract, retain, motivate and develop top talent and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Keeping the certification current through regular recertifications can help ensure that organizations are held accountable and that progress is continuous.
For a deeper dive into the benefits of VSS systems and tips on preparing for gender equality certification, read my full article on Forbes.
Stay tuned for our upcoming series, where we’ll take a closer look at the key characteristics and benefits of third-party certification systems. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how these systems can drive measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while helping organizations achieve lasting, impactful change.
