Italy makes a bold move for gender equality with certification

_This article was written by Amy-Willard Cross, founder of Gender Fair. _

Certifications can create real change — often they’re created by various NGOs or non-profit organisations. Think Fair Trade, LEED, Marine Steward Certified. When backed by governments, they can have real teeth and tax policy behind them.

In July 2022, Italy released the Italian Gender Equality Certification System. It’s part of a national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) produced with the support of the EU.

The market won't fix inequities and crisis-induced shifts, but governments can try. In Italy, women’s labour force participation is 18% lower than men’s — increasing that could be a good medicine for GDP. By the government’s calculation, it would increase GDP by 11%. Italy also ranks 13th in the EU for gender. The “NRRP aims at repairing the economic and social damages, contributing to addressing the structural weaknesses of the Italian economy and to reducing territorial, generational and gender gaps.” To foster real change for gender equality in the country, it also helps that someone is in charge of the equality domain, with an Italian minister in place for Equal Opportunities and the Family.

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An aspirational certification

The certification measures companies on:

culture and strategy
governance
human resources (HR) management processes
opportunities for growth
inclusion of women in business
gender pay equity
parental protection
work-life balance

Rather than a stick, Italy’s gender certification programme remains aspirational. Just like Gender Fair, the certification allows organisations to set and monitor specific targets for improvement as well as demonstrate having reached a certain level. The certification also provides:

To return to growth, the country needs female energies, and the government has chosen the direction to give hope and confidence to Italy.

A built-in benefit: companies with the certification receive higher ranking in tenders and a partial social security tax exemption (maxed to €50,000 euros per year).
Real budget: €10M euros, including €5.5M for technical assistance and subsidised costs for startups and small, medium and micro enterprises.
Goals: for 1,800 companies to receive the certification by 2026.
Momentum: a year ago the OECD reported that 50 companies started the certification process, and 200 had received quotations.

Several bodies have been accredited to do the certification, and having a third party as part of the process adds to its objectivity and credibility.

Iconic Italian brands Lamborghini and Olivetti have achieved the certification. As have Poste Italiane, Arthur Little and Societe Generale, among many others.

Expansion across Europe - but what about the US?

The Italian minister for Equal Opportunities and the Family, Elena Bonetti, has said,

“We take another important step to support companies and encourage that path of empowerment of women who, as a government, we have chosen to undertake to promote their work and career. It is a clear choice, which will make it possible to change the aspect of companies and which will make it possible to free up talents and skills that are still largely unexpressed today. To return to growth, the country needs female energies, and the government has chosen the direction to give hope and confidence to Italy.”

The certification will soon expand across Europe. In a similar vein, Australia requires companies to report on the workplace gender equality Scorecard. UK firms must report on the pay gap - one that shows how much women earn overall, not comparing women VPs to men VPs.

Why can’t we have this in the US too? Governmental support for gender-equal workplaces supported by policies and budgets? If you’re located in the States, you can start by getting your company or organisation assessed for gender fairness. Then write to your congressperson or the president, suggesting we follow Italy’s lead.

Find out more about the certification for gender equality in this video: