UfM workshop on Gender Equality Plans in Higher Education highlights challenges and best practices

• The 3-hour online workshop, co-organised by the UfM’s Social and Civil Affairs and Higher Education and Research divisions, saw more than 100 online participants discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) in universities and STEM.
• Key sessions focused on the importance of GEPs in universities, emphasising their pivotal role in securing funding and fostering inclusivity in academia. The workshop facilitated dialogue on developing effective GEPs and tailoring them to the Mediterranean context.

12 December 2023 – The Union for the Mediterranean’s Social and Civil Affairs and Higher Education and Research divisions co-organised a 3-hour online workshop on Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) in Higher Education institutions and STEM. It delved into the technical intricacies involved in formulating effective GEPs, providing participants with a platform to share good practices and address challenges specific to the Mediterranean context.

Over 100 people took part in the workshop, including representatives from the UfM Jordanian Co-presidency, the EU Commission, and academics from France, Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Tunisia, as well as entrepreneurs with an academic background in Engineering, AI and robotics.

Speakers shared their views on the challenges and opportunities associated with developing, implementing and monitoring GEPs in the sector. Although they can help empower women in academic environments by promoting equal access to education, leadership opportunities, research funding, and career progression, obstacles persist, and attendees emphasised the need to develop a gender-sensitive approach to early education.

Recommendations outlined in the workshop include considerations regarding work-life balance, gender equality in leadership and recruitment, the integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching content, and measures against gender-based violence. Difficulty garnering political support and efforts to combat gender discrimination were discussed as well, with panellists stressing that GEPs can have a ripple effect on society by breaking down traditional gender roles and norms.

A roundtable on Women in STEM touched upon ongoing efforts to address gender disparities. Initiatives that were discussed include those that aim to eliminate stereotypes through activities in schools and that promote women in STEM through comprehensive programs.