As GENDERACTIONplus comes to a close, we’re proud to share our final contribution to the European Research Area: thirteen strategic policy briefs. These briefs reflect years of collaboration, dialogue and research, and they are designed to turn gender equality from ambition into action.
Click on the brief’s name to find out more!
This position paper emphasizes the importance of gender equality and inclusion for the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 and the next Framework Programme 10. It highlights gaps in inclusiveness and intersectionality, GEP monitoring and evaluation, the integration of Inclusive Gender Analysis, and gender-based violence, offering recommendations at the European, national, and RFO levels, including the private sector.
Achieving true equality in Higher Education and Research & Innovation requires policies that reflect societal diversity and address intersecting inequalities. Based on a GENDERACTIONplus benchmark survey revealing significant gaps in understanding and policy implementation, this brief offers recommendations at European, national, and RFO levels to better embed intersectionality in the European Research Area.
The requirement for all Horizon Europe proposals in R&I to incorporate the gender dimension has created new challenges for researchers and National Contact Points (NCPs), who are critical intermediaries between European programs and researchers on the ground. Based on a training needs assessment conducted by GENDERACTIONplus, this brief identifies gaps and outlines clear actions for NCPs, Member States and Associated Countries, and the European Commission.
This brief highlights how Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) can lead the way in creating safer, more inclusive research environments by prioritising gender-focused initiatives. Building on the Horizon 2020 UniSAFE project, the position paper introduces the RELIEF model as a framework for best practices among RFOs, demonstrating how their commitment to these actions combat gender-based violence and enhances research quality.
Actions to address gender-based violence in R&I in the ERA are fragmented and underfunded. To close existing gaps, the brief calls on the European Commission to implement stronger measures that ensure comprehensive support for victims and promote consistent, well-funded policies across the ERA.
Monitoring and evaluation systems are essential for understanding the impact of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) and ensuring their effective implementation, but current practices are inconsistent. This position paper outlines immediate, mid-term and long-term recommendations for the European Commission on the importance of monitoring and evaluation at the national level in relation to the implementation of GEPs and their necessary inclusion in gender equality measures going forward.
Sustainable and inclusive research careers are key foundations for ensuring high standards in science, yet a GENDERACTIONplus study found fragmented policies that overlook non-linear career paths and pay little attention to inclusiveness in research assessment. The position paper offers recommendations across all levels, including EU, national, research funder, and institutional to address these gaps.
This position paper advocates a shift from the concept of the gender dimension to Inclusive Gender Analysis, emphasising the need to adopt an intersectional lens and engage diverse end-users to enhance research quality and relevance. The paper outlines what Inclusive Gender Analysis entails and offers recommendations to support its uptake across the European Research Area.
Academic freedom in the European Research Area (ERA) is increasingly at risk due to political interference, censorship, surveillance, and gender-based violence. Utilising a study in Sweden, this position paper highlights the direct link between ending gender-based violence and safeguarding academic freedom. The paper outlines key recommendations for the EC to uphold academic freedom, foster safer learning and working environments, and reinforce the ERA’s commitment to gender equality.
This position paper highlights the role of national authorities in establishing sustainable frameworks for monitoring and evaluating Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). Drawing on key insights from GENDERACTIONplus, it offers recommendations that emphasize the need for stronger national focus on GEP monitoring and evaluation.
In line with the objectives and recommendations of the Council Conclusions on Overcoming Fragmentation, this policy brief focuses on the need for stronger national-level monitoring and evaluation of Gender Equality Plans within the ERA The brief offers recommendations to achieve this by emphasizing the need for more coordinated efforts and robust monitoring frameworks to reduce fragmentation and align national actions with EU objectives.
This policy brief underscores the importance of monitoring and evaluation for effective gender equality policy implementation in the ERA. It highlights current challenges, including limited data, fragmented efforts, weak accountability, and the voluntary nature of ERA Action 5. The brief outlines key issues at European, national, and institutional levels and offers targeted recommendations to strengthen monitoring and coordination.
This policy brief highlights the vital role of gender equality practitioners in implementing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) across European research and higher education institutions. It calls on the European Commission and national authorities to strengthen support for these practitioners to ensure the continued progress of institutional and cultural change through GEPs in the European Research Area.
