A Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is a set of commitments and actions that aim to promote gender equality in an organisation through a process of structural change. In 2021, GEPs became an eligibility criterion for organisations applying for Horizon Europe funds. As from 2022, the GEP eligibility criterion applies to all parts of Horizon Europe.
The following categories of legal entities established in EU Member States or associated countries need to comply with this criterion:
- public bodies, such as research funding bodies, national ministries and other public authorities, including public for-profit organisations,
- higher education institutions, both public and private,
- research organisations, both public and private.
In this context, Xjenza Malta and the National Commission for the Promotion on Equality have been collaborating, through the provision of training and material, to provide assistance to public organisations that are developing a GEP.
The GEPs’ four minimum mandatory process-related requirements are:
- Public document. A GEP is a formal document published on the organisation’s website, signed by the top management and actively communicated within the organisation.
- Dedicated resources. A GEP must include a commitment to provide sufficient resources and expertise in gender equality for implementation.
- Data collection and monitoring. A GEP should be informed by collecting and analysing sex-disaggregated data on personnel (and students, for the relevant organisations). Organisations should report progress annually based on specific indicators.
- Training. A GEP must include awareness-raising and training activities on gender equality for the whole organisation and training on unconscious gender biases for staff and decision-makers.
Xjenza Malta has developed their own Gender Equality Plan and can be accessed on the official website : Xjenza Malta .
Contact [email protected] for more information on Gender Equality Plans in Horizon Europe.