A gender equality certification scheme to identify and award employers' commitment towards equality was announced by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality yesterday.

The Equality Mark Certificate, part of an EU co-financed project titled Unlocking The Female Potential, will see the commission rewarding organisations that demonstrate a commitment to being "true equal opportunities employers".

The commission developed a set of equality principles for organisations in collaboration with employers and its partners in the project, namely the Employment and Training Corporation, the Foundation for Human Resource Development, the General Workers' Union, the Malta Employers' Association and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin.

To be awarded the certificate, employers have to: implement an equality and sexual harassment policy; take measures to endorse equal opportunities in recruitment and other employment practices; and ensure incentives for career and personal development are awarded according to skills and capabilities not determined by gender or civil status.

In addition, employers have to show commitment towards implementing family-friendly measures and work-life balance options for men and women with caring responsibilities, among other initiatives.

The certification is a way to highlight good gender equality practices and encourage other employers to follow suit. The project is based on the national priority to encourage female employment by providing indirect incentives for work.