Почему стандарты, учитывающие гендерныеаспекты, полезны для всех

This publication explains why gender-responsive standards are important, aiming to broaden the audience of GRS. Standards are an integral part of everything that surrounds us, from cell phones to toothbrushes, even if most consumers don’t realize it. These help ensure that products conform to safety and security requirements as well as other priorities (for the environment, for society or other). Standards aim to create consistency and reliability such that users can depend on a predictable result. Standards aim to be gender neutral; however, studies have shown that standards are very often developed for a reference individual which is based on a Caucasian man aged 25-30, weighing 70 kg (155 lbs). This androcentric approach can neglect important considerations of ages, gender, size, etc. which are often considered niche. This leaves at least half of the population – women – as not being actively considered in the setting of standards. The World Bank and the World Trade Organization underline that women and girls represent half of the potential of the world’s population and that reducing the gender gap will promote economic development. This is why a gender-responsive approach to standards and their making processes in necessary. It targets potential user groups -- government agencies and technical committee experts. It also establishes the link with other key sustainability topics.