GENDERA

Gender Debate in the European Research Area

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Despite their increasing participation in higher education and research, women are significantly underrepresented in certain disciplines and remarkably few women remain in top jobs in science. As attracting the best researchers with proportional representation of women and men is integral to the success of ERA and essential for the competitiveness of Europe, it is vital to ensure gender balance in research by changing the way of recruitment and career development. Based on available analyses and recommendations aimed to improve the situation of women in science, GENDERA will identify and discuss good practices of gender balance on national and European levels by networking and in workshops. The project will demonstrate the factors that limit the participation of women in specific scientific fields as well as in decision making positions, and introduce real-life implementation examples to top decision makers of research and higher education institutions. Using a shared Communication Plan, GENDERA partners will persuade the above leaders that the critical review and change of institutional recruitment, promotion and nomination policies–and their gender-related aspects–will contribute to the scientific, professional and economic success of their organisations. The understanding of this correlation will result in the commitment of the national actors who are in the position to advance the situation of women in research, with special emphasis to their representation in research management. Practical guidelines including recommendations and "model gender policies" will be developed during the project. The final European conference will discuss the project’s results. GENDERA will contribute to changing the conscious/unconscious "male-is-better" attitude widespread in research organisations, will foster improvements in the representation of women in decision making bodies, and thus increase the possibility to make their voices heard on the national and European level.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

For the success of the European Research Area (ERA) it is vital to attract the best researchers and ensure equitable gender representation. This can be achieved by changing recruitment strategies and approaches to career development.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

To this end, the project 'Gender debate in the European Research Area' (GENDERA) gathered and made available valuable information on the topic. The material is accessible through an online database for use by all partners in a range of national contexts.

Researchers first produced a manual for assessing gender equality initiatives in research and development (R & D) organisations. GENDERA identified such initiatives in their countries, and systemised best practices according to barriers and career stages being addressed as well as strategies for implementing change. The results have been included in a Synthesis Report that also compares GENDERA countries with respect to gender equality and their innovation system.

To increase awareness, National Task Forces were established and a framework of collaboration was proposed as well as a plan of activities. This shaped the programme for each country's national workshop. Furthermore, an international roundtable was organised and guidelines were elaborated regarding gender policy for research organisations. The latter are available in the form of a booklet in nine languages.

GENDERA efforts and deliverables ensured that project countries put the subject of gender on their agenda. To achieve this, project members sought out exchange with leaders of research organisations, and relevant stakeholders and policymakers. Communication channels (e.g. TV, press, print, radio) and personal exchanges/events were also leveraged for increasing awareness.

The project's Policy Brief of recommendations summarises the knowledge gained, while the database offers a good source for analyses and identifying problems. Overall, findings highlight the need to better focus on issues affecting the process of implementing gender equality initiatives in R & D organisations.

Knowing more about what hinders the successful implementation of such initiatives will help all involved adopt better approaches and enhance their potential for positive impact. The tools developed during GENDERA are valid beyond the project's duration and can be used to support improvements in gender balance in R & D organisations.