Gender Equality Plan, GEP
Promoting Inclusive Excellence at the University of Rzeszów
The Gender Equality Plan (GEP) of the University of Rzeszów for the years 2024–2028 constitutes a strategic framework designed to ensure equal opportunities for all members of the academic community, irrespective of gender. It embodies the University’s steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence, institutional responsibility, and alignment with both European and international standards. The current GEP represents the second official document of its kind adopted by the University, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor and reflecting the institution’s ongoing dedication to gender equality.
The GEP is developed in accordance with:
- the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers,
- the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025,
- the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers (2017),
- and the European Commission’s Horizon Europe eligibility criteria for research institutions.
Strategic Objectives
The Gender Equality Plan is structured around five key pillars:
- Institutional Culture and Governance
- Promoting gender-sensitive leadership and inclusive decision-making.
- Ensuring gender balance in governing bodies, committees, commissions, and advisory boards.
- Recruitment, Career Development, and Promotion
- Implementing transparent and equitable recruitment procedures.
- Supporting career progression for underrepresented genders, especially in STEM and leadership roles.
- Work-Life Balance and Organizational Flexibility
- Facilitating flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.
- Supporting caregivers and parents through institutional programmes.
- Gender Equality in Research and Education
- Integrating gender perspectives into research content and curricula.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to gender studies and inclusive pedagogy.
- Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination
- Establishing clear procedures for reporting and addressing misconduct.
- Conducting regular training on unconscious bias, respectful communication, and inclusive practices.
Implementation and Monitoring
The implementation of the GEP is coordinated by the Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment, in collaboration with the Office for Equal Treatment, academic units, and administrative departments. Progress is monitored through:
- annual internal reports,
- gender-disaggregated data collection,
- stakeholder consultations,
- and periodic evaluations aligned with EU reporting standards.
Impact and Engagement
The University of Rzeszów recognizes that gender equality is not only a legal and ethical imperative, but also a powerful catalyst for innovation, academic excellence, and social cohesion. Through the implementation of its Gender Equality Plan (GEP), the University fosters a culture in which diversity is genuinely valued and all individuals are empowered to thrive professionally and personally.
As a testament to its growing engagement in this area, the University of Rzeszów successfully hosted a major international conference entitled Improving European Universities: Gender (In)Equality in Academia, held on 21–22 November 2024. The event attracted a wide range of participants and served as a dynamic platform for critical dialogue on the implementation of Gender Equality Plans at Polish universities. The conference underscored the University’s leadership in advancing gender equality within the academic sector.
The GEP is designed to benefit students, researchers, educators, and administrative staff alike, while also contributing to the broader transformation of higher education in Poland and across Europe.