UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, has earned an EDGE Assess certification, the leading global business certification standard for gender equality. It has also become the first UN agency to obtain the EDGEplus certification, which measures the intersectionality of gender and race/ethnicity, sexual identity/orientation, age, working with a disability and nationality.
EDGE measures where organizations stand in terms of representation, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows as well as inclusiveness of their culture. The certification recognizes UNFPA's commitment to gender equality and confirms that UNFPA is strongly engaged on its way towards becoming a gender-balanced organization.
"As a champion of gender equality and the rights of women and girls globally, UNFPA is leading by example and backing up our words with deeds," said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. "Our EDGEplus certification - the gold standard for gender equality in the workplace - is a significant milestone that will strengthen our efforts to build a truly diverse, inclusive and gender-balanced organization."
EDGE Assess is the first certification level, where the organization commits to an action plan that lays out how it will accelerate progress in terms of gender balance across the talent pipeline, gender pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices and fostering an inclusive workplace.
EDGEplus enables organizations to drive real progress towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce and culture, by committing to use a multidimensional approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion measurement and strategy. The intersectionality of gender and one or several of the following dimensions, including gender identity, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, age, working with a disability and nationality, are measured.
Aniela Unguresan, Founder of EDGE Certified Foundation and an International Gender Champion, welcomes the adoption of the EDGE framework by another UN agency: "Achieving EDGE Assess and EDGEplus certification is a demonstration of hard work and persistence from UNFPA to foster a gender-balanced, diverse and equitable work environment. Gender and intersectional equity in the workplace are at the forefront of both its workforce policies and its overall mission."
UNFPA's EDGE Assess and EDGEplus certification shows that the representation of women and men is above the threshold of substantive representation at all levels, including at the Executive Board level. Current recruitment, promotions and retention trends show potential for the organization to maintain good results when it comes to gender representation. The Fund also has a strong existing framework of policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows in the areas of flexible working and organizational culture.
