Who can apply for a certification
Let's check who can apply for a 2X certification:
The 2X Certification mechanism is accessible to any entity worldwide, regardless of size, geography, or sector. 2X Certification appeals to investors, companies, and financial institutions. It is also valuable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, NGOs, and any organization committed to advancing gender equity and leveraging this certification to strengthen their impact.
🔸 Any organization, company, or fund from any size, geography, and sector can apply for the 2X certification.
⚠️ Note: You cannot be considered "2X Certified" until you have completed the full process, including Self-Assessment, third-party verification, and issuance of a 2X Certificate.
🔹 2X Certification is open to all, independent of 2X Global membership.
🔹 In the first 2X Certification Self-Assessment module, you’ll find the following options for organization type: Start-up, SME, Corporate, Fund, Financial Institution.
Start your journey with 2X Certification by completing the 2X Certification Self-Assessment. There is no cost to complete a Self-Assessment. Create and log in to your Equilo account and click here.
- A Self-Assessment allows entities to explore the requirements of 2X Certification and understand whether they meet or exceed the minimum requirements.
- You can view indicative results, which indicate (pending third-party verification) whether your entity meets the minimum requirements to achieve a Good, Advanced, or Best-in-Class 2X Certification.
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After Self-Assessment, entities may choose to proceed to third-party verification, a requirement for 2X Certification.
Equilo offers an optional Level Up package at this stage, featuring detailed reporting and AI-powered insights about your Self-Assessment results. Level Up also features recommended strategic action steps to help your entity advance to a higher 2X Certification level.
What is the 2X Certification Process?
Step 1: 2X Certification Self-Assessment
Complete the 2X Certification Self-Assessment, beginning with General Intake and including modules relating to Governance & Accountability, Basic 2X ESG, Entrepreneurship & Ownership, Leadership, Employment, Supply Chain, Products & Services, and Additional Commitments. In Self-Assessment, entities may save progress, edit answers, and revisit as needed.
Step 2: View Indicative Results
Once you've completed the 2X Certification Self-Assessment, you will be able to view indicative results indicating whether your entity has attained the minimum requirements of 2X Certification, and if so, at which level: Good, Advanced, or Best-in-Class.
You can choose to dive deeper into your results and explore strategies and insights to elevate your indicative results with Equilo's Level Up option.
At this point an entity may choose whether to proceed. Entities may also repeat the Self-Assessment.
Step 3: Third-Party Verification
If you choose to proceed with 2X Certification, you will select a third-party verifier next. Third-party verifiers are independent professional services firms (e.g. Sagana, PWC, Value for Women) that are regularly engaged in the monitoring and verifying environmental, social and/or governance standards and criteria.
Third-Party Verification is a mandatory step of 2X Certification. A 2X Certificate cannot be obtained unless and until the Gender Lens Disclosures submitted by an Entity to the 2X Certification Platform have been verified by a Third-Party Verifier.
Entities must select and appoint their Third-Party Verifier. It is strongly recommended that Third-Party Verifiers complete training offered by the 2X Certification Body.
Your gender-lens disclosures will be reviewed by your verifier, along with supporting documentation. Your verifier may also communicate with you directly, for example to request additional evidence.
When the third-party verifier has completed their review, they submit a verification report to the 2X Certification platform for review by the 2X Certification Body.
Step 4: Issuance of the 2X Certificate
After the 2X Certification Body reviews a verification report, a 2X Certificate may be issued through the 2X Certification Platform once the 2X Certification Body has approved the verification report.
After a 2X Certificate is issued, entities will receive a 2X Certification Seal to use on their website, LinkedIn, and other platforms. Entities also receive a scorecard that will be publicly disclosed on the 2X Global Certification List. 2X Certification is valid for 2 years. After 2 years, entities must renew their certification.