What is the Methodology?
The Methodology for Awarding the Gender Equality Label to Enterprises (2025–2027) was developed by the General Secretariat for Equality and Human Rights (GSEHR), in accordance with Article 21 of Law 4604/2019, as amended by Article 21 of Law 4808/2021, and Ministerial Decision No. 112972/22.12.2023 (Government Gazette B’ 7567), which sets out the procedure, participation conditions, and validity period of the Label. The methodology places emphasis on equal treatment and equal opportunities, pay transparency and pay equality, prevention and combatting of violence and harassment, as well as work–life balance (e.g. flexible working arrangements, the right to disconnect, and the Parenting Guide).
The awarding procedure includes successive stages: a Call for Expressions of Interest, online application and declaration of commitment, completeness check and selection, a six-month preparation period including training of executives and submission of an Evaluation Dossier, and finally the award of the Label, valid for two (2) years. Mandatory criteria include, inter alia, the maintenance of payroll and employment statistics disaggregated by gender, equal representation and promotion, policies against violence and harassment (differentiated for enterprises with fewer than or at least 20 employees), flexible working arrangements, and a documented Parenting Guide.
For enterprises with 250 or more employees, additional requirements apply (e.g. gender pay gap below 5%, comprehensive anti-harassment policy, equality in career progression). At the same time, good practices are scored for higher distinctions (e.g. breastfeeding/childcare facilities, encouragement of paternity leave, childcare support plans).
The full text includes: terms and conditions of participation for SMEs and large enterprises, detailed evidence required per criterion, the composition and responsibilities of the Evaluation Committee, publicity rules, the annual action report required from awarded enterprises, as well as the cases in which the Label may be withdrawn.