World Bank Group Attains EDGE Move Certification for Gender Equality

WASHINGTON – The World Bank Group (WBG) has earned the second level of EDGE certification, EDGE Move, taking another important step in achieving gender equality. The certification is for the institution’s headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as all country office locations worldwide for the World Bank, MIGA and IFC.

Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) is the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace. Certification requires a rigorous external assessment of five key areas: equal pay for equivalent work; recruitment and promotion; leadership development training and mentoring; flexible working arrangements; and company culture.

EDGE Move recognizes that the WBG has conducted a detailed assessment and undergone an independent third-party audit of its policies, practices, and culture to reach the EDGE global standard for a gender-inclusive workplace culture in some areas and has committed to an impactful action plan to document how it will make further progress.

“The WBG is taking concrete steps toward gender equality, which is a priority in both our operations and in the organization,” said David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group. “I am personally proud that the WBG is 53% women and that our work is strengthened by a majority female Senior Leadership Team. We remain committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all staff can access the same opportunities, compensation, and resources, regardless of gender or identity.”

In 2016, the WBG received its first EDGE certification – EDGE Assess – for its headquarters location in Washington, DC. In 2018, the organization achieved certification for all country offices worldwide, and was recertified globally in 2020.

The WBG is one of the world’s most diverse institutions, with staff drawn from more than 170 nationalities and a global footprint of 130-plus offices. Inclusion of people from different demographics, backgrounds, and affinities, is a strategic priority, and the WBG has set ambitious targets for bolstering the recruitment and development of diverse talent. EDGE certification is a critical part of this effort.