Italy: gender equality certification for companies created

One of the priorities of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza – PNRR) is to reward the companies that perform best in terms of gender equality, with the rate of women in work having reached a ceiling of around 50%. The decree of 29 April 2022, which was published in Italy’s Official Gazette on 1 July, formalised the parameters that companies must respect to be certified for gender equality. The indicators are divided into six categories: culture and strategy, such as the formalisation of a plan to build an inclusive working environment and the implementation of internal communication and training measures; governance, for instance the existence of a committee or a function dedicated to gender inclusion and equality, as well as a budget and precise objectives; HR processes, including post-maternity leave job protection mechanisms and the presence of an anti-harassment officer; opportunities for female growth and inclusion, such as the presence of women among company leaders and top management; pay equality; and finally, measures for parenthood. The aim is that by June 2026 at least 800 companies, including 450 small and medium-sized enterprises, will be certified, while a further 1,000 will be eligible for technical assistance to achieve this. Certified companies will be eligible for reduced social security contributions and additional points in public tenders, in addition to a reputational advantage that can boost their brand as an employer. The Accredia body has already authorised three companies – Bureau Veritas, DNV and RINA Services – to issue the label.