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WHY A PROJECT ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
AND THE ISO 9001:2000 QUALITY SYSTEM

In this project we have analyzed and commented the ISO Quality System, (precisely ISO 9000:2000 Quality Management Systems Fundamentals and vocabulary - and ISO 9004:2000 Quality Management Systems, Guidelines for performance improvement) in the gender perspective and we have created training paths to provide operational tools for the reference targets: Human Resources Managers and Quality System Auditors/Assessors. (see doc. Introduction to ISO Standards, doc. Glossary, doc. ISO Comments and the original ISO text 9000 9001 9004)

The ISO 9000:2000 Standards are known as 'generic Quality Management Systems': they refer mainly to quality management, the way in which an organization manages its work and processes; they provide an applicable model by means of written procedures, instructions and records. They can be applied to any organization, regardless of its size, whatever its business.

The latest revision of the standards (December 2000) introduced greater attention to Human Resources planning and management, which is to say the processes used to select and recruit personnel, training, work organization and flexibility, etc…

Although in ISO 9000 there is no mention of it, these processes are strongly influenced by the gender dimension and therefore by levels of awareness, attention, consideration of gender differences in work management and organization: men and women, in fact, have different needs, motivations and conditions according to their life cycles. (see doc. Background CARDS)

It follows that work organization and human resources management are far more efficient and effective – this improves quality – in proportion to awareness and specific competence in gender issues. It follows that management that considers and values gender differences provides a strong contribution to overcoming discrimination and creating real equal opportunities.

Through a gender comment of ISO 9000:2000 and 9004:2000 we have highlighted gender-sensitive factors and through training modules have provided methods and tools to:

• Human Resources managers for acquisition of awareness and management tools in a gender perspective – to be implemented in Quality System management procedures referred to various processes
• ISO Quality System Auditors/Assessors, so that their audits can take into consideration the gender policies the enterprises implement to overcome gender discrimination - perceived as a non-quality factor

We consider the implementation of these methods and tools an effective method for overcoming the high level of gender discrimination found in European enterprises, especially evident in the low number of women present in top positions and the high number of women employed in poorly-paid, lower level jobs.

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