Study on non-legislative initiatives for companies to promote gender ...

Gender equality initiatives 73
In Portugal, the Prémio “Igualdade é Qualidade” (equality is quality prize) is a
measure included in the National Employment Plan. Initially funded exclusively by the
Government budget, since 2004, the prize is included in a multi-annual programme for
employment, training and social development co-funded by the European Social Fund.
The management of the prize is the responsibility of CITE - Comissão para a Igualdade
no Trabalho e no Emprego (Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment), a
tripartite body (government, employers, workers) created in 1979. Applicants are categorised
into three sets, i.e. private and public companies, co-operatives and non-profit
organisations, with the private and public companies classified into five categories:
micro, small, medium, large and multinational firms. In each annual edition, applicants
have to follow a formal submission system using a standard template and attaching a
number of documents and statistical data. The general public may suggest organisations
to be invited to participate in the contest and the organising commission may take
the initiative of inviting entities at its discretion. There are numerous practices sought by
CITE and used as criteria for awarding the prize:
• Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the circumstances of female and male
employees, monitoring of development
• Non-discriminatory measures (e.g. correct non-discriminatory language, respect of
human dignity of women and men in the workplace)
• HR policy promoting gender equality, equality plan
• Equal opportunities in the field of recruiting, training, pay of work of equal value
• Reconciliation of work and family life (e.g. flexible working arrangements, family
support facilities, leaves, returners programmes)
The submissions are evaluated in a two-phases process. In the first phase, a team of
technical evaluators checks if all required documentation (declarations concerning legal
requirements, tax payments, payrolls, working time etc.) and statistical data (on employment,
personnel management policies and practices, training, work conditions, etc.)
are included in the submission and if the standard template is duly filled-in. The
answers to the questionnaire are evaluated and a score is given to each candidate.
In the second phase, a detailed analysis of the data submitted by the applicants is
performed. Concurrently, the evaluators visit the facilities of the candidates and interview
the management and the workers’ representatives. The findings of these two
phases are all summed up in a report which is delivered to the members of the jury.
These may require additional information. The final decision is then made at a jury
meeting (that may take one or more sessions). Besides the main prizes, the jury can
also award honourable mentions to organisations that, though not fulfilling completely
the awarding criteria, follow non-discriminating practices and use good gender equality
practices which deserve public recognition. The prizes are awarded for a three-year
period, after which awarded organisations can apply again. Winners and honourable
mentions are entitled to use the logo.