News

Campaign for zero tolerance to gender-based violence

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and the 16 days of activism that follow, the GenderSAFE and GENDERACTIONplus projects are launching a joint campaign to urge higher education and research institutions to take definitive action against gender-based violence. We urge our institutions to take definitive action against gender-based violence. Real change begins with commitment. That is why, in this campaign, we will bring attention to the critical need for advancing zero tolerance, providing concrete recommendations, and spotlighting institutions who have already committed to take action by taking the pledge for a zero-tolerance approach. Why is a zero-tolerance approach important? Nearly 62% of respondents in the UniSAFE survey reported experiences of gender-based violence, but 93% students and 77% staff disclosed not considering the behaviour serious enough to report, not recognising the behaviour as violence at the time of the incident,...

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...

Supporting Inclusive Gender Equality in the New Commission: Open Letter to Commissioner Zaharieva

On 18 September 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her Political Guidelines for the next European Commission and Commissioners-Designates. The Mission Letter for Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, however, did not address gender equality, inclusiveness, or the position of women in research within her portfolio. This omission prompted GENDERACTIONplus to take action to ensure that the progress made in recent years on promoting gender equality in research and innovation (R&I) at the Commission level would continue. To this end, GENDERACTIONplus organized an open letter urging Commissioner Zaharieva to prioritize inclusive gender equality in R&I, particularly in the upcoming Framework Programme 10. We emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) as an eligibility criterion. Evidence consistently shows that GEPs have had a profound impact, particularly in countries with less advanced gender equality policies in research and higher education. This policy serves as vital backing for gender equality...

Introducing the online course on Gender Dimension in Research and Innovation for National Contact Points

We are delighted to announce that the Gender Dimension in Research and Innovation online course, tailored specifically for National Contact Points of Horizon Europe, is now available on the NCP Virtual Campus. The aim of this online course is to enhance the capacity of National Contact Points (NCP) as key actors in the Framework Programme by fostering a deeper understanding and application of gender analysis in R&I proposals. Integrating the gender dimension is crucial for promoting inclusivity and advancing the quality of research and innovation across Europe. The course is introductory and contains eight learning units that combine video lessons, downloadable materials, quizzes, a repository of additional resources, and an evaluation questionnaire to track progress and gather feedback. Examples of topics covered: This comprehensive approach will support NCPs in offering tailored guidance to researchers and helping them meet the “Excellence” award criterion in Horizon Europe proposals. We kindly ask you...

GENDERACTIONplus introduces a campaign on resistances

As we prepared for our Mutual Learning Workshop on resistance to gender equality policy efforts, GENDERACTIONplus created a social media campaign on the topic to attract attention and raise awareness of the issue. Our Mutual Learning Workshop brought together members of our two Communities of Practice to learn more about various forms of resistance to gender equality, build competence to react to these resistances, and practice self-care in the face of them. Two months prior to the workshop, we delved into the topic to share and develop knowledge with the GENDERACTIONplus followers on social media. The social media campaign on GENDERACTIONplus’ LinkedIn and platform X accounts aimed to attract attention to the issue of resistance to gender equality efforts in research and innovation and share insights into ways to overcome various forms of resistance. Our goal was to collect thoughts with our stakeholder communities, find like-minded allies, and collect thoughts...

National updates on gender equality in R&I

The Higher Education (HEA) Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, hosted the first HEA National Equality, Diversity and Inclusion conference on the 9th and 10th of April 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. Approximately 150 colleagues involved in equality, diversity and inclusion in the Irish higher education sector were in attendance to hear from national and international experts across the two days. Speakers and panels discussed advancing gender equality, advancing intersectional approaches to EDI, advancing race equality and ending sexual violence and harassment. The HEA was delighted to have the participation of our GENDERACTIONplus colleagues in sessions across the two days, alongside colleagues from INSPIRE and the OECD, highlighting international perspectives on equality, diversity and inclusion.  Estonian Research Council continued discussions on gender equality issues in R&I with the main national stakeholders, including  the Ministry of Science and Education, Commissioner for Equal Opportunities, Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, Department of...

GENDERACTIONplus gathered for a Mutual Learning Workshop and consortium meeting

The Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities hosted a consortium meeting of the GENDERACTIONplus project and on this occasion, the Spanish capital also became an action spot for a Mutual Learning Workshop on resistance to gender equality for the project’s two Communities of Practice. Policymakers and representatives of research funding organisations took part in the workshop and discussed the various forms of resistance to gender equality they encounter, exchanged information on ways of building competences for reacting to resistance, and shared their practices for self-care in the face of resistance. The consortium meeting of GENDERACTIONplus, held on 13 June in Madrid, discussed the recent updates and upcoming plans of the GENDERACTIONplus project, which is heading into its final stage. “We are grateful that we found a home for our consortium meeting in Madrid,” stated Marcela Linková, project coordinator and Member State Co-Chair of the ERA Forum Subgroup on Inclusive...

New benchmark report: Advancing Research Careers through Gender Equality and Inclusiveness

Sustainable research careers are one of the key foundations for ensuring high standards of science, research results, knowledge transfer, and innovation. As our new benchmark report concludes, the path to building sustainable and inclusive research careers lies at the intersection of research careers, gender equality, and research assessment, and requires shifting policies in multiple non-discrimination and intersectional directions. Recent analyses highlight that while the European Research Area (ERA) prioritises research careers, translating these priorities into national policies remains inconsistent. GENDERACTIONplus has identified four groups of countries based on their policy approaches to research careers and gender inclusiveness, ranging from those with comprehensive strategies to those lacking any specific policies. As the report informs, out of fifteen surveyed countries, only eight address inclusive research careers in some manner. The policies often focus on work-life balance and career progression, with a noticeable difference between southern and northern European countries. The analysis underscores...

GENDERACTIONplus has developed a Template for Ending Gender-Based Violence in Research Funding Organizations

In GENDERACTIONplus, we have developed a template aimed at fostering a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, within research funding organizations across the European Research Area (ERA). This deliverable is deeply rooted in the findings and recommendations of GENDERACTIONplus D3.1 and D3.2. Through continuous engagement with a dynamic Community of Practice of Research Funding Organisations and insights gathered from a mutual learning workshop held in September 2023, we have shaped a comprehensive and practical template. Our approach has been enriched by position papers, policy developments, and tools from the UniSAFE project. Moreover, we have aligned our efforts with the forthcoming zero-tolerance approach code of conduct in the ERA and the ongoing work of the GenderSAFE project, which focuses on policy development and awareness raising. The template is a step-by-step approach for research funding organisations to end gender-based violence in research. The logic and structure of the template combine...

Supporting gender expertise among National Contact Points for better results on inclusive gender analysis

Horizon Europe has set new standards by requiring all Research and Innovation (R&I) proposals to incorporate a gender dimension. This requirement has introduced challenges for researchers and National Contact Points (NCPs), whose expertise and support are critical for the success of project proposals. Our third position paper addresses these challenges for NCPs and recommends specific actions. The recommendations aim to improve the quality and inclusiveness of R&I proposals by equipping NCPs with the necessary tools and knowledge to address gender issues effectively. By fostering an NCP system with robust gender expertise, Horizon Europe can achieve better results, ensuring that more proposals successfully integrate the gender dimension in their research content.