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.

Download our publication on gender-responsive standards 

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 

20+ members who have a national Gender Action Plan
30% of experts are women (as of 2020)
50+ standards that support SDG 5

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