As a pioneer in gender equity in sport, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce the renewal of its EDGE Move certification.
EDGE is the global benchmark for assessing and certifying organisations in terms of gender equity. Certification involves a rigorous examination by an independent body, covering the representation of men and women at all hierarchical levels, pay equity, the effectiveness of pay policies, and inclusiveness within the organisation's culture.
In 2019, the UCI became the first international sports federation to obtain EDGE Assess certification (the first level of an organisation's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion). Two years later, it was also the first to obtain EDGE Move certification (second level of certification) thanks to the progress made in achieving the EDGE international reference standard in policies, practices and salaries. In particular, the UCI adopted a Charter of equality between women and men within its administration, and revised its Constitution to include a minimum representation of each gender on its various bodies. Since this revision, women represent one third of the members of the UCI Management Committee, of the UCI Commissions and of the Executive Committees of the Continental Confederations.
To date, of the international sporting organisations, only the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has EDGE certification equivalent to that of the UCI.
In parallel with the measures taken within its structures, the UCI had also updated its Code of Ethics to protect athletes against all forms of harassment and drafted a Charter of Gender Equality for the official ceremonies of the UCI World Championships. It also imposed minimum levels of live TV coverage for all UCI Women's WorldTour events.
The renewal of its EDGE Move certification is further recognition of the measures taken by the UCI to promote equity between men and women. It also demonstrates that the UCI has continued to make progress in this area, one of the conditions for the renewal of EDGE Move certification. Among the points that have enabled the UCI to retain its EDGE Move certification are the following:
the inclusion in the UCI Staff Regulations of an appendix covering the Federation's policy and practices in terms of protecting personal integrity and preventing conflict, harassment and discrimination;
the organisation in 2023 of awareness-raising workshops for employees, which will be repeated each year;
the introduction of a flexible working policy to better reconcile professional and private life, particularly family life;
a human resources policy aimed at increasing the number of women in positions of responsibility (management): their percentage has risen from 36% to 44% since its introduction.
Commenting on the renewal of the Federation's EDGE Move certification, UCI Director General Amina Lanaya said: "The numerous advances already made by the UCI in recent years in the area of gender equity, recognised by EDGE Assess and then EDGE Move certification, are all steps along the road to creating a culture of equality and of gender equity within our Federation. We are determined to make further progress in this direction and are delighted that our ongoing efforts have once again been recognised by the world's leading certification body. These labels do not mark the end of the process: on the contrary, they encourage us to do even better, and we will continue to do so in the coming months and years."
The founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation, Aniela Unguresan, added: "On behalf of the EDGE team, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the UCI and the UCI World Cycling Centre on this remarkable achievement. Your continued progress enabling the renewal of the second level of certification, EDGE Move, is a clear reflection of your prioritized, intentional, and measured approach to ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment for all. We applaud your leadership and commitment as a pillar of change in the international sports federations arena."