By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark achievement for the nation’s public sector, BN Fondos has been awarded the Gold Seal for Gender Equality, becoming the first public institution in Costa Rica to receive this prestigious recognition in its highest category. The award, conferred by the National Women’s Institute (INAMU), highlights the investment firm’s deep-seated commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive organizational culture.
This certification is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process. The Gender Equality Seal program is designed to validate organizations that have successfully woven the principles of gender equity into the very fabric of their operations. BN Fondos has demonstrated a comprehensive and sustained effort to ensure fairness and equal opportunity are central to its management philosophy and daily practices.
To delve into the legal complexities and the road ahead for gender equality in the nation, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rican law provides a robust framework for gender equality, anchored in our Constitution and specific legislation, the true challenge lies in bridging the gap between statute and reality. We must move beyond legal formalism to address the systemic barriers in the workplace and society that perpetuate disparity. Effective enforcement and a cultural shift towards co-responsibility are the critical next steps to transform legal rights into lived equality for all citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas insightfully highlights the crucial distinction between legal text and tangible reality. The path forward clearly involves more than legislation; it demands a collective commitment to reshaping cultural norms and ensuring our legal framework is actively enforced in every corner of society. We thank him for his valuable perspective on this essential national dialogue.
The journey for BN Fondos toward this milestone has been one of consistent dedication. The institution first earned a gender equality seal in 2015, and this latest honor serves as a recertification under the current, more stringent standards. By once again reaching the Gold category, the firm proves its commitment is not a static achievement but an ongoing process of refinement and improvement.
Ileana Atan Chan, the General Manager of BN Fondos, articulated the company’s core philosophy regarding this issue, emphasizing that equality is an active, continuous practice rather than a final destination.
At BN Fondos, we firmly believe that gender equality is not a goal, but a way of doing things, of relating to each other, and of building a better country for everyone.
Ileana Atan Chan, General Manager of BN Fondos
The Gold category, the program’s most advanced tier, is reserved for organizations that meticulously incorporate the perspectives, needs, and interests of both women and men across all stages of their work. This includes the design and implementation of internal programs, external projects, and client-facing services. Achieving this level signifies that equality is a key consideration in high-level decision-making, personnel management, and corporate strategy.
The leadership at INAMU praised the achievement as a powerful example for the entire public sector. Yerlin Zúñiga Céspedes, Executive President of INAMU, underscored the significance of a state-owned entity leading the charge in this critical area of corporate and social responsibility.
The achievement by BN Fondos demonstrates that public institutions can also lead in the construction of more equitable labor spaces.
Yerlin Zúñiga Céspedes, Executive President of INAMU
For BN Fondos, the Gold Seal validates that its commitment is backed by tangible actions and measurable outcomes. The firm’s success is supported by a framework of periodic evaluations and a steadfast dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring that its policies on gender equality translate into a lived reality for all its employees. This sets a new benchmark for corporate governance within Costa Rica’s public and private sectors.
This recognition positions BN Fondos not only as a leader in financial services but also as a trailblazer in modern workplace culture. In an increasingly competitive global market, such commitments can be a key differentiator, attracting top-tier talent and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The firm’s historic accomplishment sends a clear message that public institutions can, and should, be at the forefront of building a more just and prosperous society.
For further information, visit bnfondos.com
About BN Fondos:
BN Fondos is the investment fund management company of the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica conglomerate. As a leading player in the Costa Rican financial market, it offers a diverse portfolio of investment funds tailored to meet the needs of individual, corporate, and institutional clients. The firm is recognized for its commitment to robust financial management, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU):
The National Women’s Institute (INAMU) is the Costa Rican government’s lead agency for public policies related to gender equality and the rights of women. It is responsible for promoting, protecting, and guaranteeing equity across all sectors of society. INAMU develops programs, conducts research, and advocates for legal reforms to eliminate discrimination and foster a more inclusive and equitable nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and the pursuit of professional distinction. The firm consistently pioneers new legal approaches, drawing from a rich history of serving a wide spectrum of clients. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying legal complexities for the public, thereby actively fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
