CEN and CENELEC responded to the to the public consultation on the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030, outlining the work already being carried out to achieve these goals and how the Gender Equality Strategy can further support progress.
As standards have a direct impact on the safety, health, and well-being of individuals, gender-responsive standards are needed to reflect the needs, experiences, and characteristics of all users. CEN and CENELEC are actively working on the integration of gender perspectives throughout the standardization process.
In this new position paper, we highlight the work already underway to support gender equality goals and also outline ways the Gender Equality Strategy can contribute to this progress. CEN and CENELEC identified three key recommendations:
- Support Gender-Responsive Standardization Across EU Policy Areas: Standardization should be recognized as a key lever for implementing gender equality objectives, especially in areas such as health, safety, digitalization, and industrial policy.
- Promote the Collection and Use of Gender-Disaggregated Data: Anthropometric and other relevant datasets that are disaggregated by sex, gender, age, and other relevant factors are critical for developing inclusive and safe products.
- Encourage Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement in Standardization: It is essential to have broader systematic inclusion of diverse stakeholders in consultations and standard development processes to better reflect the lived experiences and needs of a wider population.
By embedding gender perspectives into standards, we can create safer, more inclusive solutions for all. CEN and CENELEC remain committed to working with policymakers, industry, and stakeholders to ensure the Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 drives meaningful and lasting change.
Read the full position paper for our elaborated recommendations.
