Women in the Quality Infrastructure System

Gender inequality is still present throughout the world

The world is equally composed of women and men. However, gender inequality is still present throughout the world. As published by the United Nations in October 2020, only 47% of working-age women participated in the global labour market, while for men, the percentage was 74%. This gender gap has remained relatively constant since 1995, i.e., the difference between men and women employed worldwide has not changed in the last 25 years.[1]

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Free online access to standards responding to COVID-19

Justification of standards fees

From time to time, we hear complaints from SMEs, especially in developing and emerging countries, about the costs of acquiring technical standards. This is especially true for the international standards of ISO and IEC or their national adaptations.

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Reform of the quality law in Costa Rica

Central American success model

Costa Rica is a small, innovative country in Central America. Long ago, the government decided to abstain from having an army and instead invested in environmental protection and technological innovation.[1] Costa Rica has evolved from a developing country to an industrialised economy. In May 2020, it became the 38thmember of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). [2]

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Due diligence in supply chains

Malpractice in global supply chains

Repeatedly, suppliers in global value chains tolerate human rights violations and environmentally unfriendly practices.

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What are the business benefits of using accredited conformity assessment services?

INetQI, the global community association for quality infrastructure, is very active in disseminating information. One of the most recent initiatives is the Business Benefits website, https://business-benefits.org, where case studies inform about the benefits of accredited quality infrastructure services.

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