GENDER EQUALITY IS A CENTRAL CHALLENGE FOR OUR SOCIETY AND A FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCK FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS. NEVERTHELESS, THE GLOBAL GENDER GAP INDEX 2024 OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM SHOWS THAT THE GENDER GAP WORLDWIDE HAS ONLY BEEN CLOSED BY 68.5%. AT THE CURRENT PACE, IT WOULD TAKE ANOTHER 131 YEARS TO ACHIEVE FULL EQUALITY. EVEN IN ITALY, FOR EXAMPLE, THE SITUATION IS NOT VERY ENCOURAGING: WE ARE RANKED 79TH IN THE RANKING.
In 2025, however, the understanding of diversity and inclusion has evolved far beyond the issue of gender equality. Today, companies are required to recognize and value diversity in terms of origin, disability, and gender identity—as a reflection of an increasingly conscious and inclusive society. According to current studies, companies with well-structured inclusion strategies record an increase of 30% in innovation and productivity.
The Terra Institute supports companies on their path to gender equality while simultaneously promoting diversity and social inclusion. In this context, the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification is a concrete instrument to measurably promote gender equality. This certification can also be combined with ISO 30415:2021 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to create an even more comprehensive approach for a fair and inclusive work environment.
Since 2014, European companies with more than 500 employees have already been subject to the obligation of non-financial reporting—many have already started or completed their CSRD processes. In this context, company size is not a reliable indicator of ESG risks, and voluntary frameworks are not always sufficient to meet due diligence requirements.
WHAT IS THE UNI/PdR 125:2022 CERTIFICATION?
The certification for gender equality UNI/PdR 125:2022 is a reference practice introduced by Law No. 162/2021 and regulated by the Budget Law 2022 (No. 234/2021). The practice stipulates that data and evidence within the company regarding gender equality and inclusion are measured, reported, and evaluated.
The goal is to consciously and permanently close existing gender gaps and to ensure equal treatment of employees. To motivate companies to introduce a management system for gender equality, the practice provides incentives, especially tax and contribution-related benefits.
For effective implementation, the practice defines measurable, relevant, and comparable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that promote change and enable continuous improvement.
Form a holistic assessment of an organization’s maturity level, six evaluation areas are defined:
- Culture and strategy
- Governance
- HR processes
- Equal opportunities and inclusion of women in the company
- Fair pay by gender
- Parental protection and work-life balance
Each area is evaluated with a percentage weighting, which is included in the overall assessment and makes improvements visible over time.
Specific KPIs have been defined for each area. Organizations are monitored annually and audited every two years to demonstrate progress.
The system is applicable to companies of any size—from micro-organizations (1–9 employees, with simplified requirements) to multinational corporations.
KPIs are both quantitative (e.g., percentage changes compared to internal or national averages) and qualitative (e.g., existence of certain measures) in nature.
An overall fulfillment level of at least 60% is required to obtain the certification.
WHY IS GENDER EQUALITY CRUCIAL FOR COMPANIES?
The causes of the gender gap are deeply rooted in cultural and social structures and manifest themselves in unequal career opportunities, salaries, and leadership roles. These inequalities harm not only the affected women but the entire economic fabric of a company.
STRENGTHENING CORPORATE IMAGE:
Certified companies demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and social sustainability.
ACCESS TO FINANCIAL INCENTIVES:
including tax and contribution-related benefits, such as a 1% discount on social security contributions, up to a maximum annual amount of €50,000.
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENT:
An inclusive work environment helps retain the best talent and reduce turnover.
INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS:
Certified companies receive higher ratings in public tenders and procurement procedures.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE UNI/PdR 125:2022 CERTIFICATION
Companies must take targeted measures, including:
- Awareness-raising and training against gender stereotypes and discrimination in the workplace
- Parent-friendly measures and strategies for work-life balance
- Equal pay and career opportunities
- Employee well-being, e.g., through flexible working hours for new mothers
The Terra Institute supports companies through:
- Expert consulting in the implementation of necessary measures
- Training on gender issues, diversity, and inclusion
- Preparation for certification
WHAT IS THE ISO 30415:2021 STANDARD?
The standard “ISO 30415:2021 – Human Resources Management – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” is an international guideline that helps organizations integrate diversity and inclusion into their management systems.
The standard provides clear recommendations for typical HR processes, including:
- Workforce planning
- Compensation
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Learning and development
It is structured into measures, fields of action, and outcomes to give companies clear guidance in system development.
BENEFITS OF ISO 30415:2021 CERTIFICATION
A company that actively manages diversity and systematically integrates gender equality into its processes can clearly stand out from the competition and increase its visibility and competitiveness. Aligning all departments towards inclusion and appreciation creates real added value—regardless of employees’ gender.
CONCLUSION
In a constantly changing world, investing in diversity and inclusion means not only acting ethically, but also gaining a concrete competitive advantage.
The Terra Institute supports companies that want to actively shape this transformation—towards fairer, more sustainable, and higher-performing work environments.
Gender-equal and inclusive policies mean: fostering talent, increasing innovation, and unlocking new growth opportunities. The time is ripe to make a difference!
👉 Contact us to find out how you can obtain the certification and turn your company into a success model for inclusion:
Elena Rangoni Gargano – e.rangoni.gargano@terra-institute.eu
Or book a non-binding initial consultation.
Author
ELENA RANGONI GARGANO With a Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage, Elena has built extensive experience in the field of sustainability. She has contributed to the development of management plans for UNESCO sites, worked as a researcher in international institutions, and transitioned to sustainability consulting, where she supports companies and territories in adopting more responsible models.
Specializing in CSRD reporting, inclusivity, and gender equity, Elena combines strategic vision with technical expertise to promote solutions that create value for society and the environment. Supports companies in certification and assessment processes related to supply chain sustainability (EcoVadis), gender equality (PdR 125), and the promotion of diversity and inclusion (ISO 30415).
