AFNOR Spec X30-020 is a guide to good practices for advancing equality between women and men in all organizations. It is a free document with potential global application.

In France, gender equality has been declared an important national cause over a five-year term. Under French Presidency of the G7 in 2019, the Biarritz Summit in August was designated an “event committed to gender equality”. The outcomes of the summit highlighted the need to develop practical tools readily available to all economic players. Their goal: to lead by example in this area, using a common language and common methods.

It is in this spirit that AFNOR is publishing AFNOR Spec X30-020, a guide to good practices for advancing equality between women and men in all associations, enterprises and local authorities. The project, under the patronage of the President of the Republic, has been led by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, and the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Recovery, with the support of PwC France and the National Federation of Caisses d’Epargne. 40 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds were also actively involved.

AFNOR Spec X30-020: providing a basis for an ISO standard

Presented at the Generation Equality Forum held on 1 July 2021 in Paris, this guide constitutes the first building block before the standard development work that should now be undertaken at international level leading to an ISO standard. It addresses 5 subject areas:

• Access to education and training
• Sexual and reproductive rights and health
• Preventing and ending violence against women and girls
• Women’s and girls’ rights, preventing and combating gender discrimination
• Economic empowerment of women and participation in public and economic life

These subjects are dealt with through an organizational approach applicable to any type of public or private organization wishing to integrate the gender equality dimension in a transversal and specific way into all its fields of action.

The guide presents key information enabling individuals to assess the current situation in their organization, gives guidance on how to improve and, importantly, provides numerous examples of initiatives. The guide serves as a tool that’s easy to read and take on board, and is genuinely adaptable to all users.

© Getty Images