8 March – International Women’s Day

The Institute for Standardization of Serbia congratulates all women the International Women’s Day March 8. In standardization, women play a significant role in all areas and activities, and respect for gender equality is taken into account when adopting standards. On the occasion of celebrating the International Women's Day, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced the publication of guidelines for the support and promotion of women's entrepreneurship.

IWA 34, Women’s entrepreneurship – Key definitions and general criteria, is the world’s first set of global definitions related to women’s entrepreneurship. Through providing clear and consistent definitions to describe female-owned or -led businesses, it helps to facilitate current and future initiatives aimed at furthering women’s economic empowerment. It is just one of many ISO initiatives to promote and support the role of women in society. IWA 34 and many other similar documents contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No 5 for gender equality.

ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said the contribution made by women to standards is essential to realize the positive changes we want to see in the world. Also, International Standards are powerful tools for reducing inequalities and promoting fair and inclusive economic growth.

The staff of the Institute for Standardization is mostly made up of women. The Institute is also lead by a woman - for the first time in its long history. Half of the total number of heads of sectors and departments are women, which proves that the Institute respects the principles of gender equality. There are more than 600 women in the ranks of the NTCs for standards and related documents.

The fact is that women should be respected and considered equal every day. However, a special day, dedicated to the memory of the fight for gender equality, sends a message to everyone that women used to have no rights and that the abolition of all discrimination is a condition for the further development of human civilization.