IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, signed an agreement with EDGE Gender Equality Certification, which sets benchmarks for gender equality in workplaces, to promote gender diversity among IFC clients and partners in emerging markets.
As an accredited licensing partner for Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) Certification, IFC can offer EDGE Gender Equality Certification as a key part of its investment and advisory services. EDGE-certified companies are evaluated according to global and industry benchmarks through a third-party audit of four pillars: gender balance at all levels, equal pay for equivalent work, effective policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows, and an inclusive culture.
“Through this partnership, we hope that more companies in emerging markets will discover the strength of the business case for greater gender equality in the workplace,” said Henriette Kolb, Head of IFC Gender Secretariat. “There is no doubt that companies can deliver greater business impact and be more competitive by fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace for women and men.”
The EDGE gender methodology can provide companies with a competitive advantage by positioning the organization as a gender-equal environment to work in, invest in, and do business with.
Aniela Unguresan, Co-Founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation, said, “This joint effort will accelerate progress toward workplace gender equality with a focus on emerging markets. As an investor in private-sector companies and accredited licensing partner for EDGE Gender Equality Certification, IFC is sending a strong signal that workplace gender equality is fundamental to sustainable business success, improved governance, and an increased ability to adapt to shifting market trends.”
Women entrepreneurs, employees, suppliers, and leaders are engines of economic growth and business opportunity. IFC provides companies investment and advisory solutions to create equal opportunities for women and men to participate in the private sector.
Original source: IFC
Published on 24 October 2018
