Support to the implementation of inclusive gender equality plans

Topic description

ExpectedOutcome:

Projects are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Enhance the reputation, attractiveness, inclusiveness and research excellence of less advanced institutions as a result of implementing inclusive gender equality plans.
• Transform institutions to advance inclusive gender equality within the European Research Area (ERA).

The institutional change strategy implemented through gender equality plans has had very positive impacts in many research organisations and been a catalyser at national and EU level, as the latest ERA progress report has shown. However, there is a heterogeneity in the implementation of Gender Equality Plans across the EU, and persisting structural barriers in R&I institutions which must be addressed, through a renewed approach.

The inclusion scheme aims to strengthen and go beyond the minimum requirements for a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) as defined in Horizon Europe eligibility criteria, and to support the implementation of inclusive GEPs in line with the new ERA Communication and gender equality objectives^[1].

Actions should clearly outline the approach for boosting gender equality strategies, including new areas such as intersectionality and diversity, outreach beyond the organisation, gender budgeting, or gender and innovation among others, building on knowledge and expertise developed through related Horizon 2020 projects and tools (e.g. GEAR Tool, ACT Communities of practice). Advanced organisations will mentor on best practices, processes, monitoring and actions to undertake in the inclusive GEPs.

Proposals are expected to address the following:

• Methods for exchanging and implementing good practices and materials, tailored to individual organisations’ needs for the development of inclusive GEPs;
• Support for reinforcing their networking in the area of gender equality and inclusiveness, especially with already existing Communities of Practice;
• Activities such as on-site visits, on-site or virtual training; workshops; dissemination and outreach and capacity building activities.
• Implementation of specific actions in the less advanced institutions specifically addressing the opening to intersectionality and diversity, including in the integration of intersectional sex and gender analysis into R&I content.

The partners involved in the twinning exercise are expected to revolve either around a specific thematic area or have widening partners with similar national/regional background for a better contextualization.

Social sciences and humanities
Social Innovation
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Agenda

[1]https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/strategy/era_fr