WASHINGTON/ZUG, March 23, 2022 - The World Bank Group (WBG) has earned the second level of EDGE certification, EDGE Move, taking another important step in achieving gender equality. The certification is for the institution’s headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as all country office locations worldwide for the World Bank, MIGA and IFC.
Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) is the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace. Certification requires a rigorous external assessment of five key areas: equal pay for equivalent work; recruitment and promotion; leadership development training and mentoring; flexible working arrangements; and company culture.
EDGE Move recognizes that the WBG has conducted a detailed assessment and undergone an independent third-party audit of its policies, practices, and culture to reach the EDGE global standard for a gender-inclusive workplace culture in some areas and has committed to an impactful action plan to document how it will make further progress.
“The WBG is taking concrete steps toward gender equality, which is a priority in both our operations and in the organization,” said David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group. “I am personally proud that the WBG is 53% women and that our work is strengthened by a majority female Senior Leadership Team. We remain committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all staff can access the same opportunities, compensation, and resources, regardless of gender or identity.”
In 2016, the WBG received its first EDGE certification – EDGE Assess – for its headquarters location in Washington, DC. In 2018, the organization achieved certification for all country offices worldwide, and was recertified globally in 2020.
The WBG is one of the world’s most diverse institutions, with staff drawn from more than 170 nationalities and a global footprint of 130-plus offices. Inclusion of people from different demographics, backgrounds, and affinities, is a strategic priority, and the WBG has set ambitious targets for bolstering the recruitment and development of diverse talent. EDGE certification is a critical part of this effort.
About the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group plays a key role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. It consists of five institutions: the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corp. (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Working together in more than 100 countries, these institutions provide financing, advice, and other solutions that enable countries to address the most urgent challenges of development. For more information, please visit
www.worldbank.org,
www.miga.org, and
www.ifc.org.
ABOUT EDGE CERTIFICATION
EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender and intersectional equity. EDGE Certification involves a rigorous third-party review of representation across the pipeline, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices, and inclusiveness of an organization’s culture. As an integral part of the assessment, statistical data is analysed, policies and practices are reviewed and employees’ experiences of career development opportunities in the current workplace are accounted for. Depending on the specific results of each organization, an action plan is formulated, and firm commitments towards its implementation.
EDGE Certification meets organizations where they are in their gender balance journey (EDGE) and in their intersectional equity journey (EDGEplus) through its three levels of certification: Assess, Move and Lead. A certification at the EDGE Assess level recognizes commitment, one at the EDGE Move level showcases progress and a certification at the EDGE Lead level celebrates success in fostering gender equitable workplaces. An EDGEplus certification further recognizing its commitment to analysing intersectional issues between gender and one or several of the following additional dimensions: gender identity, race/ethnicity, LGBTQI+, working with a disability, nationality and age.
EDGE Certification is built around the independent third-party certification of data and information and is distinguished by its rigour and focus on impact granted by one of the EDGE accredited independent third-party certification bodies – SGS, Intertek or FloCert, and it remains valid for a period of two years. EDGE’s current customer base consists of over 200 large organizations in 50 countries across five continents, representing 30 different industries.
Contacts
News Release: 2022/051/ECR
