Know the Mexican norm in labor equality and non-discrimination

Advancing in gender equality: know the Mexican norm in labor equality and non-discrimination

The importance of having working conditions that guarantee gender equality in organizations responds not only to the interests of companies to increase their productivity, but also to the recognition of the value of women and the openness that has been given to their integral development, to the acceptance and encouragement that she be the one who makes the decisions about her roles, to the fulfillment of her aspirations and to a more complete treatment of the family.

Since the 1970s, public actions have been implemented in search of the development of women in the workplace. In Mexico, actions have been carried out for more than 15 years to establish working conditions focused on gender equality in Mexican organizations, in relation to this, there is a tool that is the Mexican Standard NMX-R-025-SCFI-2015 on Labor Equality and Non-Discrimination.

This Standard is a voluntary adoption mechanism to recognize workplaces that have practices in terms of labor equality and non-discrimination, to promote the comprehensive development of workers. This regulatory scheme is a certification that is aimed at all public, private and social work centers established in the Mexican Republic, of any size, sector or activity.

Its main axes are: incorporating the gender perspective and non-discrimination in the processes of recruitment, selection, mobility and training; ensure equal pay; implement actions to prevent and address workplace violence; and carry out actions of co-responsibility between the work, family and personal life of its workers, with equal treatment and opportunities.

In addition to achieving certification as a workplace, those certified can achieve a higher level of recognition with the implementation of leveling measures, inclusion measures and affirmative actions, which promote the presence of women in the organization and their management positions.

What benefits are obtained?

• Create a positive image of the workplace and its products or services in the market.
• It generates greater commitment, loyalty and identity towards the organization on the part of the personnel.
• It fosters a work environment in favor of diversity, equality and inclusion, which attracts and retains talent.
• It reduces the incidence of discriminatory practices and violence, in addition to facilitating their treatment and solution.
• Promotes balance between family, work and personal responsibilities.
• Obtain additional points, in case of participating in public tenders, in accordance with the Law of Acquisitions, Leases and Services of the Public Sector.

According to data from the Ministry of Economy, in 2019, 102 work centers in the private sector and 268 public institutions in the country are certified under this standard. The Ministry of Communications and Transportation was the first agency of the federal government to obtain this certification. During the delivery of this certificate, the head of the Agency stated that "at the SCT, women and men have the same opportunities and the same rights."

Adopting new working conditions focused on gender equality does not depend only on our governments, but also the organizations themselves and society in general must be the main promoters of it, so that more progress is made in human rights every day.