Employer and Business Membership Organizations: Action on gender equality and diversity

In 2024, the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) assessed progress on gender equality and diversity made by national Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) over the previous six years. The results show that more and more EBMOs are improving gender equality and diversity internally and support their members to do the same. However, progress is uneven, with some EBMOs far ahead and others just starting out.

EBMOs are key drivers of change

EBMO action and influence on gender equality and diversity goes far beyond internal operations. From advocacy to social dialogue and services for members, EBMOs are exceptionally well-placed to drive gender equality and diversity across the private sector and beyond. Already the vast majority (81 per cent) of EBMOs advocate for greater gender equality and diversity, working with national governments and workers’ organizations.

Looking to the future

It’s clear that EBMOs around the world are driving gender equality and diversity, but it is equally clear that there is plenty of untapped potential, both at EBMOs and in the private sector more widely. EBMOs can make progress by:

• Achieving internal gender balance and leading by example.
• Better tracking the impact of gender equality and diversity initiatives.
• Growing and improving gender equality and diversity services to members.
• Broadening advocacy efforts to encompass more gender equality and diversity issues.

The ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities supports EBMOs to take and scale action through technical advice, tools, resources, networking and peer support, and much more.