E-discussion: Gender equality in decision-making in R&I and HE

Gender equality and gender mainstreaming have become one of the European Research Area (ERA) priorities –and gender-balance in decision-making is one of three key objectives. There is however a tendency to reduce the debate in this field to (equal) numerical representation of women and men on decision-making bodies, thereby fueling binary notions of sex/gender and underestimating gender biases in decision-making processes.

This e-discussion aims to share recent insights in decision-making and leadership in research performing organisations (RPOs) as well as research funding orgnisations (RFOs).

Invited experts including Pat O'Connor and Anne Laure Humbert will engage with participants to discuss some of the key debates in this field including quotas and targets, gender knowledge and competences in decision-making bodies and power. This will be followed by a more practical focus on strategies for action.

This e-discussion is of interest to policy-makers as well as practitioners concerned with gender equality measures in RPOs and RFOs. We also encourage the participation of researchers interested in the topic. You are welcome to share insights in an international environment with experts from around Europe and beyond.

Please read the following blogpost as it will form the basis of our e-discussion: https://www.genderportal.eu/blog/gender-equality-decision-making-ri-and-he

Date and Time:

19th March, 2020  from 10:00 - 12:00 CET

Key Issues to Debate:

1. What can we learn from different experiences of applying targets and quotas to create more gender fair decision-making bodies?
2. How do you address the double burden when the same few women have to participate on many different committees/ boards?
3. What are effective ways to build gender competence in decision-making bodies?
4. How can we effectively deal with ‘non-action’ and resistance to institutional change?