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Description
Higher education and scientific research are primarily areas based on individual achievement and merit, and yet, they are permeated by deep-seated gender inequalities and diffused prejudice. Greece lags behind with respect to gender equality in this area, as European Union surveys show.
Gender disparities penetrate, often in indirect and invisible ways, human resource management, decision-making structures, research content, and the evaluation of scientific results, barring excellence, innovation and, in the end, social justice. The purpose of the project (GENDRHED) is to promote the ability of Greek universities and research centers to address gender inequalities. It will conduct a series of training activities for their academic, research and administrative staff in order to build their knowledge and ability to develop customized Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).
These plans are comprehensive interventions that higher education and research organizations can develop to tackle existing gender inequalities, to integrate the gender dimension into their structures, practices and internal operation, and to establish a culture of equality that excludes sexism.
The GENDRHED project fill a gap at a critical point in time, as universities and research centers in the Member States of the European Union are required to form GEPs as a prerequisite for receiving EU research funding. In Greece, unlike in other European countries, universities and research institutes have not yet developed such plans. The GENDRHED project aspires to provide them, within a year and a half, with the necessary know-how to formulate GEPs, drawing on the substantial experience and expertise of the applicant organization (ELIAMEP).
Summary of project results
The deep-rooted gender inequalities in higher education and scientific research in Greece were the primary focus of this project. These inequalities affect human resource management, decision-making structures, research content, and the evaluation of scientific results. Such gender biases, though often invisible, undermine excellence and innovation, while also obstructing social justice. The project aimed to equip Greek universities and research centers with the tools to tackle these inequalities through tailored Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) that promote inclusive and equitable environments.
The project team carried out 12 training and awareness-raising actions (8 core and 4 additional), aimed at academic, research, and administrative staff. These sessions enhanced their capacity to develop and implement Gender Equality Plans within their institutions. The activities also fostered an understanding of intersectional discrimination, focusing not only on gender but also on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical disability. The project promoted the exchange of best practices, including insights from successful international institutions, and involved discussions with government and European Commission representatives. Key outputs included original research on GEPs, policy papers, practical tools for implementation, and communication efforts to disseminate these ideas to a wider audience.
The project achieved high participation rates from staff at universities and research centers, with strong engagement from Gender Equality Committees (GECs) and members outside these committees. These participants are now better equipped to implement internal changes that promote gender equality. The project also facilitated the sharing of best practices, sparking discussions that will influence both short-term and long-term improvements in institutional policies and practices. Although many project outcomes are expected in the coming years, some practical changes were observed during the project’s timeline, with institutions showing a greater commitment to addressing gender inequalities. The broader academic community, particularly those involved in university governance and policy-making, stands to benefit most from these changes.