How Acqua obtains gender equality certification

The company's commitment to promoting talent and implementing female empowerment was rewarded with the awarding of the UNI/PdR 125:2022 national standard

Como, June 5, 2024 – How Acqua got the UNI/PdR 125:2020 certification regarding the gender equality, a goal that the Single Manager of the Integrated Water Service in the province of Como had set as a priority within its policy management and not just a mere formal fulfillment.

The importance of the topic is also emphasized by its inclusion both among the goal of thegenda 2030 of the United Nations, and in the NRRP, with the introduction of a Gender Equality Certification System under Mission 5 “Inclusion and Cohesion”, Component 1 “Active labor market policies and support for employment”. In both cases, the aim is to promote greater inclusion of women in the labor market, a crucial step for improving social and territorial cohesion, as well as economic growth.

For Como Water, there are also additional reasons. Lo sustainable development It is a challenge that sees the company on the front line, both as individual citizens and—even more so—as managers of the Integrated Water Service. To win it, it is essential to have a broad and far-sighted vision of the future, in which the fight against inequalities is a daily constant. This must apply both to access to water resources and to equal opportunities for personal and professional growth, valuing talents in a truly inclusive and fair manner, without any gender-related prejudices or of any other kind.

Therefore, Como Acqua has identified the gender equality a focal point on which to concentrate efforts for continuous improvement. At the beginning of the journey aimed at certification, President Ing. Enrico Pezzoli had in fact underlined how, in addition to ethical and cultural aspects, the fight against gender-gap have a positive and significant impact on’Ebitda (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), an indicator that makes it possible to determine the economic value of a company, while also allowing it to increase its attractiveness and make the most of the talent already on its staff.

Less than a year after the objective was stated, the preventive self-assessment carried out by Como Acqua using a prudential criterion was not only fully confirmed by the certifying body, but was even revised upwards during the allocation of the rating.

L’audit highlighted how the company has defined an effective management system, with Kpi clearly established in the strategic plan, which indicates unequivocal commitments:

the provision of a stimulating work environment and the pursuit of sustainability, legality, and transparency objectives, valuing diversity and gender equality, ensuring effective and safe water services, in compliance with high quality and environmental standards.

the guarantee of fair gender representation in the roles of speakers during conferences and events.

Improvement of selection and hiring processes, career management, pay equity, and support for parenthood. Work-life balance and the prevention of workplace abuse are also considered priorities.

the adoption of inclusive communication, which ensures respect, the appreciation of diversity, and the continuous improvement of one's communication skills.

the introduction of the document “Risk Analysis of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace”, which details how to recognize, manage, and prevent situations of harassment and violence at work.

the Parenting Policy that details the company's support for employees during maternity, paternity, and parental leave, promoting an inclusive work environment. It includes rights such as non-discrimination, legitimate absences, work flexibility, safety, fair treatment, and “Dad's Leave.”.

“We are proud to have received the certification,” comments the President Pezzoli. I thank those who worked directly alongside me in the Steering Committee and in the various working groups that dealt with the issues covered by the assessment. However, I want to extend my praise to the entire company, because it is only through collective and daily commitment that the fundamental issue of gender equality can trigger the cultural revolution of which we are interpreters, both in our internal relations and toward external stakeholders, aware of the social responsibility we bear as a business. Teamwork was essential to address an issue that for many was new, but at the same time was strongly urged by the social context. Especially for a company like ours, which has environmental and social sustainability as its guiding light, it is essential to put forth the utmost effort on the front of valuing people, countering every possible form of discrimination and inequality.