EDGE certification guides private sector companies on improving gender equality
Danper, a leading agribusiness company based in Trujillo, Peru, and a client of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has obtained a gender certification from EDGE Strategy (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality), a leading global certification standard in gender equality.
In 2014, the IDB approved a $38.5 million corporate loan to Danper to enhance its continued business growth and support its agricultural and industrial investments. Beyond providing long-term financing, the IDB partnered with EDGE Strategy to support Danper in obtaining the international business certification standard in gender equality. Danper is the first company in Peru and the first agribusiness company in Latin America to obtain EDGE global certification.
“Leading companies worldwide are investing in gender equality because they know it makes business sense,” said Kelle Bevine, Chief of Strategy Management in the IDB’s Structured and Corporate Finance Department. “These investments will help Danper attract and retain the best employees, ensure high productivity and continue to be a leader in the agribusiness industry.”
EDGE evaluated Danper´s policies, practices and workforce numbers in five different areas: equal pay for equivalent work, recruitment and promotion, leadership development training and mentoring, flexible work and company culture. The result of this assessment is a specific action plan that the company commits to execute to achieve a gender inclusive workplace in which women and men have equal access to professional development.
By obtaining EDGE certification, “Danper confirms to have a gender-balanced talent pipeline as well as to have reached an important milestone in their quest to build an inclusive work culture,” explained Aniela Unguresan, co-founder of EDGE Certified Foundation.
The IDB partnered with EDGE in 2015 to provide support for the Bank´s private sector clients in applying to obtain the EDGE certification. The partnership has empowered the IDB to move the gender equality agenda forward and engage its private sector clients to create more inclusive workplaces.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.