Sustainable Solutions
WSF Gender and Sustainability Seal
A quality seal for training programmes that teach gender equality as an integral part of environmental, social, economic and governance sustainability.
About the seal
Where gender meets sustainability
Many training programmes treat gender and sustainability as separate subjects. The WSF Gender and Sustainability Seal recognises programmes that bring them together, helping participants understand how gender equality shapes, and is shaped by, the way we care for the environment, build fair societies, grow economies and govern institutions.
The seal is awarded by the Women Sustainability Forum in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures, after a review of each programme by a WSF evaluation committee. It gives learners, employers and funders a clear signal that a programme meets a recognised standard of quality.
Four dimensions
Gender linked to every dimension of sustainability
Certified programmes show how gender connects with one or more of these four dimensions, and explain those links with evidence and practical examples.
Environmental
How gender shapes access to natural resources, exposure to climate and environmental risks, and leadership in conservation and climate action.
Social
Inclusion, safety, unpaid care, health, education and the rights of women and girls across diverse communities.
Economic
Women’s economic participation, decent work, entrepreneurship, access to finance and fair value chains.
Governance
Women’s leadership and decision making, gender responsive policy, ethics, accountability and transparent reporting.
Evaluation
What we evaluate
Every application is reviewed against six criteria. The committee looks at the programme as it is actually delivered, not only at how it is described.
Gender content
Accurate, current and evidence based content on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Sustainability linkages
Explicit, well explained links between gender and the environmental, social, economic and governance dimensions.
Facilitator expertise
Trainers and facilitators with recognised knowledge and experience in gender and sustainability.
Inclusive methodology
Accessible, participatory learning that respects diverse experiences and avoids stereotypes.
Practical application
Case studies, tools and activities that help participants apply what they learn in their own work.
Measurable results
Clear learning objectives, assessment of participants and a way to follow up on outcomes.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- Universities and academic institutions
- Companies and in house training teams
- Government agencies
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Training providers and consultancies
- Multilateral organisations
- Programmes delivered in person, online or in blended format
Benefits
What certification offers
- The right to display the seal on programme materials, websites and participant certificates
- A listing in the directory of certified programmes on this page
- A written evaluation report with feedback and recommendations
- Visibility across the WSF global network and campaigns
- A credible way to show your contribution to SDG 5 and the 2030 Agenda
Process
How certification works
Apply
Send your application with the programme documents.
Review
The evaluation committee assesses the programme against the six criteria and may request further information.
Decision
You receive a written report with the result, feedback and recommendations.
Certification
Certified programmes receive the seal files and a certificate valid for 12 months.
Renewal
Renew by sharing updates and results from the latest delivery of the programme.
Fee
Evaluation fee
- Full review of the programme by the evaluation committee
- Written evaluation report
- Seal files and certificate for certified programmes
- Listing in the directory of certified programmes
Directory
Certified programmes
Apply
Apply for the seal
To apply, send us an email with the following information. Our team will confirm receipt and explain the next steps.
- Organisation name, country and type of organisation
- Contact person, role and email
- Programme title, delivery mode, total hours and participants per year
- A summary of up to 300 words on how the programme links gender with sustainability
- The syllabus, curriculum or programme outline (Word or PDF)
- Any additional evidence, such as evaluation results or sample materials
Applications are welcome in English or Spanish.