Gender
Equality
Gender Equality
Gender equality is a core value of the European Union and a long-standing priority of the European Research Area (ERA). It is essential for excellence, fairness, and innovation. Promoting equality in research careers, improving gender balance in decision-making, and integrating the gender dimension into research content strengthen Europe’s capacity to respond to societal challenges and to build a more inclusive research and innovation system.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2025–2027), gender equality is addressed through the structural policy “Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA, notably with an intersectional approach.” This includes work on emerging issues such as gender budgeting and expenditure tracking in R&I, with a new emphasis on implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2022–2024), gender equality was promoted through the action “Promoting gender equality and fostering inclusiveness.” The focus was on inclusive Gender Equality Plans in Horizon Europe, combating gender-based violence in the European R&I system, and addressing intersectionality across sectors, geographies, and personal identities. A key milestone was the Ljubljana Declaration on Gender Equality in Research and Innovation,, endorsed by 25 Member States and the European Commission, which highlighted GEPs as essential instruments for sustainable institutional change.
ERA tools and resources
Are you looking for tools, resources, and initiatives that can help foster inclusive gender equality in research and innovation?
Framework for Inclusive Gender Analysis in R&I Content
A practical tool developed with the ERA Forum subgroup and the European Commission to support integration of gender dimensions in research and innovation.
GENDERACTIONplus policy mapping and benchmark reports
Policy guidance and benchmarking to support national and institutional implementation of gender equality strategies.
Zero-Tolerance Code of Conduct on Gender-Based Violence
A shared framework to counteract gender-based violence and harassment in the EU R&I system.
She Figures 2024 and ERA Scoreboard Indicators
Comprehensive monitoring tools to track progress and highlight persistent inequalities in R&I.
E-learning course on Gender Dimension in Research and Innovation (not only) for National Contact Points of Horizon Europe produced by GENDERACTIONplus and GE Academy training courses
Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) FAQ
Institutional strategies required for participation in many EU research programmes, setting objectives and measures to advance gender equality. Frequently asked questions on how to design and implement GEP: work programme 2026-2027 updates.
Impact of gender equality plans in the European Research Area
Factsheet; Policy briefs & Main study
GEAR tool (Gender Equality in Academia and Research)
A practical step-by-step tool supporting research organisations in designing, implementing and monitoring Gender Equality Plans, with guidance, examples and good practices.
Source: ERA Policy Platform, INSPIRING ERA
INSPIRING ERA activities
Discover insights, resources, and event materials from INSPIRING ERA activities that highlight inclusive approaches to gender equality:
- Integrating gender and intersectionality in research: from policy to practice
See materials from the European Online Event held on 28 May.
- How to overcome barriers to collecting and analysing data on inclusive and intersectional gender equality in the R&I system for monitoring and evaluation?
See materials from the INSPIRING ERA Exchange held on 6 June 2025. - Equality Monitoring in the European Research Area. From diverse national-level reporting to a lasting policy framework
See factsheet on Gender Equality Monitoring
Related EU projects and initiatives
- GENDERACTIONplus (2022-2025)
Supported policy coordination on gender equality and inclusiveness through Communities of Practice for national authorities and Research Funding Organisations. - INSPIRE (2022-2025)
Europe’s Centre of Excellence on inclusive gender equality in R&I, providing evidence, guidance, and capacity-building. - UniSAFE (2021-2024)
Provides data, tools and recommendations to prevent and address gender-based violence in research and higher education. - GenderSAFE (2021-2024)
Supports institutions in developing zero-tolerance policies, staff training and monitoring systems to address gender-based violence.
