The African Development Bank has begun the process of becoming certified under the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality, or EDGE, Certification programme, the leading global assessment certification for gender and intersectional equity in the workplace.
The Bank made the announcement on Monday, at an official online launch held a day before International Women’s Day. The event attracted participants from headquarters as well as several of its regional offices.
Senior Vice President Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala said the launch marked the African Development Bank’s first step in the process of EDGE certification.
“We have made excellent progress. There is more room for improvement. It’s about empowerment and ending underrepresentation…EDGE certification will help us,” Tshabalala said.
In 2019, 83% of the executive workforce at the African Development Bank was men. But within three years, the ratios of women at senior leadership have changed from 17% to 32%, the senior vice president said.