Embracing gender equality in standardization
ISO’s commitment to gender equality is a cornerstone of our mission to develop standards that foster innovation and make lives easier, safer and better for all. Recognizing the vital role that gender equality plays in sustainable development, ISO has been focusing on gender issues and gender equality through an organizational Gender Action Plan since 2019. This work underlines our commitment to advancing inclusivity and gender equality in standardization, and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (SDG5).
Why gender equality matters in standardization
Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for creating robust, effective and relevant standards. Diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions, and when both men and women are equally represented, the standards we develop are more likely to meet the needs of all users. Gender-balanced participation enhances the quality and applicability of our standards, driving progress and innovation across industries. By embracing gender equality, ISO members not only support a fairer society but also contribute to the advancement of technology, environmental sustainability and global economic growth.
This guidance is intended for use by everyone involved in standards development work to encourage consistent usage of inclusive terminology in ISO and IEC documents. It provides guidance on applying the principles and rules on inclusive terminology specified in ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, 2021, 8.6, …
This brochure offers a concise yet thorough overview of ISO 53800 which aims to promotes gender equality between women and men within organizations and provides a framework for embedding equality methodologically and transversally within the organizational culture. The standard outlines the approach, …
Advancing gender equality: ISO's practical steps
ISO’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in concrete actions:
Download ISO's GAP 2022-2023 (En)
Download ISO's GAP 2019-2021 (En)
We collect and analyse gender data and representation within the ISO system to monitor progress towards gender-balanced representation and participation in the ISO system.
We strive for balanced representation and to eliminate barriers to women's participation in technical work.
Ensure that the standards we develop and revise are gender-responsive, including through development of learning and training materials.
A diverse and inclusive culture is promoted at ISO/CS to foster gender equality within the ISO system.
We enhance ISO members’ understanding of gender-related issues and build their capacity to better contribute to gender equality and SDG 5.
Gender in standardization: key figures
How to get involved
There are several ways to get involved in ISO’s work on gender equality:
- Learn from ISO members and see how others are contributing towards gender equality in standardization.
- Join the Gender Focal Point Network (for ISO members only), bringing together national standards bodies from around the world. Get in touch here.
- Share your Gender Action Plan or national standards with us.
- Use the Guidance on Gender Responsive Standards to determine the extent of potential gender implications in international standards, and provide equal benefit to all!
Download the Guidance (English, French, Russian, Spanish, Arabic) on Gender Responsive Standards.
Download the Assessment form (English, French, Russian, Spanish, Arabic) - Have a look at case studies that provide practical examples of how gender-responsive considerations have been integrated into different standards.
Download GRS Case studies