Building a more inclusive ERA: Calling for Stronger Intersectional Policies in EU Research

On 22 October, the European Commission released a communication on the European Research Area (ERA), emphasizing the need for more inclusive gender equality plans. GENDERACTIONplus supports this recommendation and, in its position paper A New ERA of Inclusion and Intersectionality, highlights the key gaps and delivers recommendations to address them.  

Four years ago, the Commission adopted a Communication titled ‘A new ERA for Research and Innovation’ which described a new vision for a stronger European Research Area (ERA). In its latest communication, titled Implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) and published on 22 October, the Commission reflects on progress made and identifies areas for improvement. In relation to the ERA priority of inclusive gender equality, the Commission acknowledges that there is “Scope for stronger action to develop inclusive gender equality plans and policies that address intersecting inequalities and discrimination on the grounds of gender, gender orientation, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and other aspects.” 

GENDERACTIONplus endorses the ongoing commitment to cultivate a more inclusive and intersectional approach within EU research policy. The GENDERACTIONplus position paper titled A New ERA of Inclusion and Intersectionality not only identifies essential areas for improvement but also presents actionable recommendations to advance this important agenda. Among the gaps are ongoing terminological uncertainty of the key concepts, a lack of aggregated data on multiple equality dimensions at the national and European levels, and contextual barriers in some countries in addressing several equality dimensions in policy and measures for HE and R&I. 

Building on the gaps identified, the position paper identifies recommendations for the European, national, and RFO contexts. It is of the upmost importance that organisations and stakeholders at the European and national levels that represent minoritised and disadvantaged groups should be included in processes related to developing data, research, and guidelines on diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Their inclusion is essential for ensuring that policies and practices effectively address the unique challenges faced by these groups. 

At the European level, the emphasis is on enhancing data collection and analysis related to intersectional discrimination, developing guidelines, and integrating these considerations into funding and policy frameworks.  

At the national level, it is important that policies align with equality legislation and address the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups across various sectors. This includes developing guidelines and monitoring systems to ensure effective implementation and providing training for stakeholders to enhance understanding of intersectionality and diversity.  

For RFOs, the focus is on creating strategies aligned with equality policies, fostering staff competence in diversity, implementing inclusive GEPs, and embedding intersectional considerations into funding processes. 

Closing these gaps requires a coordinated effort from the European, national, and RFO levels that focuses on engaging diverse perspectives in policy development. Following these recommendations would not only support the Commission’s aim to advance inclusive gender equality plans and intersectional policies but also enhance the quality of research outputs while fostering a more equitable and diverse research environment. 

For more detail about the recommendations, the full brief is available here.