Process

Process

The 2X Certification Process comprises a 4-Step process which Entities are required to complete in order to be issued with a 2X Certificate. 

Step 1: 2X Certification Self-Assessment

  1. Complete the general intake form

  2. Receive and complete a tailored 2X Certification Self-Assessment form

Step 2: View Indicative Results

  1. Receive the indication of the extent to which the requirements of a 2X Certification Level are met

  2. Proceed with Third-Party Verification
    Optional: To improve the indicative results, purchase the ‘Level Up Package’ to receive support and assistance

Step 3: Third-Party Verification

  1. Submit Gender-Lens Disclosures and any additional supporting evidence on the platform

  2. Select and appoint a Third-Party Verifier

  3. Receive preliminary
    2X Certification Level

Learn more about third-party verification.

Step 4: Issuance of the 2X Certificate

  1. Verification Report filed by Third-Party Verifier

  2. 2X Certification Body reviews Verification Report

  3. Issuance of 2X Certificate

  4. Disclosure on 2X Certification website

  5. Access to additional resources

We strongly recommend Entities continue to strengthen gender-smart practices as an ongoing process to further improve.

Methodology

The 2X Certification Methodology is designed to assess and recognise gender-smart practices of Entities. It assesses an Entity’s practices holistically by examining all stages of an Entity's efforts, from initial investments to the broader effects of those actions.

Core Components

  1. Basic 2X ESG
    Assesses an Entity’s integration of core environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, such as avoiding harmful activities, respecting human rights, and safeguarding against gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH).

  2. Dimensions
    Focus on key areas for implementing gender-smart practices, including the workplace, supply chain, and market offerings.

  3. Themes
    Address systemic gender challenges such as diverse representation (JEDI), fair pay, care policies, health and well-being, and zero tolerance for GBVH.

Each Dimension integrates relevant Themes, analysed together through cross-cutting assessment questions linked to specific Indicators. These Indicators measure the depth and breadth of an Entity’s gender-smart practices, guiding them to demonstrate their performance against the 2X Certification Methodology.

2X Certification
levels

Entities are scored based on the number of gender-smart actions completed relative to the total possible actions within each Dimension and Theme. 2X Certification Levels are awarded based on minimum requirements tailored to the Entity type (company or fund) and the desired 2X Certification Level.

An Entity is issued with a 2X Certificate through the 2X Certification Platform. The 2X Certificate reflects the relevant achieved 2X Certification Level. Entities can achieve one of three 2X Certificate levels— ‘Good’, ‘Advanced’, and ‘Best-in-Class’. Each 2X Certification Level indicates the depth and breadth of an Entity’s gender-smart efforts. 

Good: Demonstrates core gender-focused efforts that meet the minimum requirements. Broadly aligns with the 2X Criteria, with some differentiating requirements.

Good: Demonstrates core gender-focused efforts that meet the minimum requirements. Broadly aligns with the 2X Criteria, with some differentiating requirements.

Ex. Company with clear intentions to drive gender equity AND gender diversity in leadership AND a commitment to driving gender diversity in its workforce.

Advanced: Demonstrates action beyond the minimum requirements. Broad approaches demonstrate greater gender efforts in an additional area while Targeted approaches demonstrate deeper efforts in one area.

Advanced: Demonstrates action beyond the minimum requirements. Broad approaches demonstrate greater gender efforts in an additional area while Targeted approaches demonstrate deeper efforts in one area.

Ex. Fund focused on portfolio companies bringing care products/services to market that specifically address women’s unpaid care responsibilities AND has an investment thesis that explicitly integrates a gender lens AND a commitment to driving gender diversity in its leadership.

Best-in-Class: Demonstrates gender efforts that are leading the field in their breadth (strong performance in multiple areas) and/or depth (strongest performance in one area with greater performance in one or more other areas).

Best-in-Class: Demonstrates gender efforts that are leading the field in their breadth (strong performance in multiple areas) and/or depth (strongest performance in one area with greater performance in one or more other areas).

Ex. Company with demonstrated gender diversity in its leadership and workforce, with efforts to support further improvement in these areas over time, as well as early efforts to address gender in its supply chain that include a clear commitment to women supply chain workers and related support programmes.

Pricing

2X Certification costs are based on entity type and size. Below is a table to guide you on pricing.

  • Third-Party Verification costs are fees due to Third-Party Verifiers for the provision of Third-Party Verification services as part of the 2X Certification Process.

  • 2X Certification fee covers the issuance of a 2X Certificate and accompanying marketing collateral including the 2X Certification Seal.

Entity Type Third-Party Verification Certification
Start-up and SMEs USD 4000 - USD 5000* USD 499
Corporates USD 4000 - USD 5000* USD 2000
Funds (AUM < USD 100M) USD 4000 - USD 5000* USD 1000
Funds (AUM > USD 100M) USD 4000 - USD 5000* USD 2000

*Note: Third-Party Verification cost is dependent on the Third-Party Verifier but ranges between USD 4000 - USD 5000