Plans and initiatives in selected research institutions aiming to stimulate gender equality and enact structural change

The present report (GENDER-NET Deliverable Report D2.6) summarises research undertaken to understand the impact of existing national/regional initiatives and award schemes in selected research institutions that aim to stimulate gender equality and enact structural change. It considers whether institutional initiatives can aid the design of national strategies and initiatives, and identifies successful elements that could be recommended for transnational implementation. Based on these recommendations, work will be carried out in GENDER-NET to develop transnational initiatives and indicators on structural change. The report provides an overview and analysis of existing institutional gender equality plans, also called gender action plans, (GEPs), central institutional initiatives, decentralised/area-specific institutional initiatives, and summarises the most common and innovative practices (MCIPs), implemented within the framework of existing national/regional initiatives and award schemes. Based on the essential elements of structural change, the GENDER-NET partners are looking at five areas of intervention, and, therefore, the assessment of institutional initiatives covers these areas: 1. Anchoring gender equality issues at leadership level, 2. Identifying decision making structures and procedures, 3. Recruiting, retaining, and advancement of women researchers, including leading positions, 4. Improving work environment, work-life balance and dual careers, 5. Facilitating in-/outgoing mobility for women researchers.