Gender Equality Plan
About this good practice
The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) is the first public institution in Romania to develop and implement a Gender Equality Plan (GEP). As a formal and mandatory process, the GEP ensures compliance with European standards, such as those outlined in Horizon Europe, while reaffirming the institution's core values: equality, inclusion, diversity, and transparency. Created with support from CALIPER project partners and using the methodology proposed by the project consortium, the GEP is based on rigorous internal and external analysis. This initiative underscores UEFISCDI’s leadership in the innovation ecosystem by institutionalizing gender equality measures and fostering dialogue on this crucial issue.The GEP promotes women in STEM through initiatives that reduce barriers and foster inclusivity.It ensures equitable recruitment with unbiased selection processes and clear career advancement pathways. Work-life balance is supported by policies such as parental leave and flexible working arrangements.Awareness-building measures, including unconscious bias training, anti-harassment guidelines, and mentorship programs, foster a supportive environment.Additionally, promoting gender-sensitive criteria in research funding and evaluator guidance enhance inclusivity in projects.By embedding these measures into its culture, UEFISCDI sets a benchmark for other institutions, advancing gender equality as a cornerstone of innovation.
Resources needed
Specialized human resources, organizational policies supporting gender equality were needed. Funding is needed in order to secure the specialized human resources (within or outside the organization).
Evidence of success
-GEP and gender equality was promoted to the extensive BrainMap network of over 63,000 innovators.
-The guide for evaluators was available in the latest competitions for innovation projects in Romania (more than 5).
- 3 new gender equality-focused projects were deveped (Interreg&Horizon Europe), with 2 projects successfully securing funding.
-More than 80% of the employees are now familiar with the sexual/moral harassment concept and more than 70% see an improvement in their work-life balance
Potential for learning or transfer
First, the policies, tools and pieces of training provided to employers and employees through GEP can raise awareness on not only on the existent stereotypes and prejudices within the workplace, but also on the necessity and benefits of gender-friendly policies, practices and attitudes for a healthy work environment.
Second, the instruments may be adopted and putted into practice by other legal entities and by doing so, the entities will be able to provide a diverse and gender-friendly work environment which will be beneficial not only for the employees, but also for the organizational culture itself.
Furthermore, as GEP results were disseminated at a macro level, this can show the importance of gender-friendly standards not only at work, but also within other types of social institutions, which can facilitate the transition to a more equitable and fair society on daily basis.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding
