The Lombardy region has published the call for proposals “Toward gender equality certification”
with which it intends to support virtuous enterprises in the Lombardy region in the path geared toward obtaining certification.
Let’s see what it consists of, what the requirements are and how to apply for funding.
Gender equality certification: what the Lombardy Region grant consists of
After approving the Guidelines of the measure to support Lombardy businesses dedicated to gender equality certification, the Lombardy Region has provided grants through the publication of a call for proposals aimed at supporting local businesses.
The budget is 10 million euros divided into two lines:
- Line A: provides resources of 4 million euros earmarked for Certification Accompanying Consulting Services. The contribution is provided in the form of vouchers up to a maximum of 7,000.00 euros;
- Line B: provides resources of 6 million euros for the Gender Equality Certification Service; specifically, reimbursement of expenses incurred in obtaining the certification is financed .
The contribution is provided in the form of vouchers up to a maximum of 9,000.00 euros.
The application for funding can be submitted from February 1, 2023 until December 13, 2024. The grant is awarded based on the chronological order of arrival of applications.
Lombardy Region funding: the requirements for accessing the notice
Enterprises applying for Lombardy Region funding inherent in consulting services accompanying gender parity certification must necessarily also apply for that intended for obtaining certification.
The following requirements must be met by the enterprise to qualify for the call:
- Have an active operational headquarters in the Lombardy Region or, if VAT-registered, have a tax domicile in Lombardy;
- Be a micro, small and medium-sized enterprise;
- be duly registered and active in the Register of Enterprises or have a VAT number at the time of submission of the application;
- Have at least one employee in the workforce on the date of application.
Grants, for both available funding lines, are disbursed only after the company obtains gender certification and reports on expenses incurred.
Certification of gender equality: what it’s all about
Law no.
162/2021 introduced nationwide certification of gender equality, which then came into effect on January 1, 2022.
Enterprises that want to take the path to certification must demonstrate that they have taken certain concrete measures aimed at reducing the gender gap, such as: equal career opportunities, equal job pay levels, policies for managing gender differences, and maternity protection.
Gender equality certification helps to close the existing gap between men and women by promoting the adoption of gender equality policies in terms of pay and careers, parenting protection, harmonization of work-life balance, and improving women’s access to the labor market and in corporate leadership.
It can be applied for by any type of business, regardless of size or activity.
How to achieve gender parity certification: the UNI/PdR 125:2022
UNI/PdR 125:2022 “Guidelines on Management System for Gender Equality” came into force on March 16, 2022.
With the Decree of April 29, 2022 of the Ministry of Equal Opportunity, it was transposed as the reference standard for verifying the parameters required to obtain gender equality certification.
The Reference Practice provides, through KPIs, for the measurement, reporting and evaluation of gender-related data in order to close the existing gap; this enables the integration of a new paradigm based on gender equality, producing sustainable and lasting change in the organization.
Gender equality certification: the benefits for businesses
Gender equality certification takes on both an ethical value and a social and sustainable development value for businesses. It is a path aimed at equity, equality and inclusion.
Companies that achieve certification trigger virtuous circles that are good for the company itself and for society; they strengthen their reputation, attract more talent, access tax breaks and obtain rewards in the Italian and European calls for tenders in which they participate, and increase competitiveness in the market.
Gender equality certification: rely on our team
The Lombardy Region is showing concrete support for local businesses.
Gender parity certification is an opportunity for all companies that want to be truly sustainable, that want to contribute to improving labor standards by closing the gender gap, demonstrating in a tangible and transparent way the commitment made and the actions implemented.
At Tecno, we support companies in implementing a business paradigm in which the principles of gender equality are concretely integrated into business objectives.
By relying on our team you get personalized advice; we do this by structuring sustainability pathways that meet your company’s needs, requirements and priorities.
To access the funding lines and define a project that is in line with the Lombardy Region’s evaluation parameters, rely on us.
With Tecno you innovate corporate culture in a transparent and certified way.
