Resource information
First tested in Mexico in 2003, and most
recently applied in 2009 in Argentina, the World Bank has
developed a model to incorporate gender equity into private
sector organizations while simultaneously enhancing their
business. Under the model, participating organizations
conduct a self-diagnosis to identify gender biases and gaps
in the operations. This baseline is then used to create and
subsequently implement an action plan to address these
gender inequalities in their organization. Successful
application of this gender equity model is certified by an
independent auditing agency and the firm is awarded a seal
they can publicly use and display, enhancing their
reputation. Since the first experience in Mexico, the model
has been adapted to fit other countries' realities, and
each experience has improved the tools and process of the
model. This paper summarizes the World Bank's
experiences with the gender equity certification model and
explores the primary features and factors of success through
careful examination of the most recent application in
Argentina. The successful experiences and ease of
adaptability of the model point towards the feasibility of
applying this model as standard World Bank "brand"
certifiable international Gender Equity Model, or "GEM".
