• H2020
• Policy & Research

In co-operation with the European Commission, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has begun a project that will provide research organisations and universities with clear methodological guidelines on how to implement the changes needed to make gender equality a reality.

According to the EIGE, an autonomous body of the EU established to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, these changes will lead to a more gender-aware organisational culture and working environment, ultimately enhancing gender equality in the area of research and innovation.

Reassessing recruitment processes, work-life balance initiatives, career development plans, decision making approaches and harassment policies from a gender perspective is a good way to start, says the institute.

The multi-faceted project, due for completion in September 2016, is part of EIGE’s broader programme on gender mainstreaming. It is grounded in an in-depth study which analyses existing instruments that support gender-sensitive changes in decision making processes, organisational practices, human resources management, and the overall working environment in this field.

An integral part of the project is the development of an online tool, which will be developed in co-operation with DG Research and Innovation. It will give practical guidance on how to set-up and implement gender equality plans in research institutions. The online tool will also provide a set of good practices on the topic, identified in co-operation with key stakeholders.

The project will support the achievement of EU policy objectives, in particular the European Research Area Roadmap 2015-2020 and Horizon 2020, as well as EU directives on gender equality in the labour market.