Gender Equality Plan (GEP)

1. Commitment to Gender Equality

This policy ensures equal opportunities in all project activities, from recruitment and research to public engagement and technology development. A gender-inclusive approach is embedded in decision-making, team structures, and user participation, fostering diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields.

 

2. Organizational Responsibilities & Leadership

  • Appoint a Gender Equality Coordinator to monitor gender balance and enforce gender-sensitive policies.
  • Implement gender-balanced recruitment strategies for research, management, and technical roles.
  • Actively support women’s participation in STEM, with a focus on AI, robotics, and digital innovation.

 

3. Gender Equality in Research & Innovation

  • Apply a gender-sensitive approach to system design, ensuring equal accessibility.
  • Use gender-disaggregated data to track participation and engagement.
  • Address potential gender bias in AI models and robotics datasets, ensuring fair representation.

 

4. Inclusive Work Environment

  • Establish anti-discrimination policies and ensure gender-equitable decision-making processes.
  • Provide flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs, including caregivers.
  • Conduct training and awareness programs on gender equality for all team members.

 

5. Public Engagement & Community Participation

  • Ensure gender-balanced participation in all project activities, including research, testing, and training.
  • Highlight female role models in robotics and AI, promoting diversity in public outreach.
  • Engage underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities, in STEM-focused programs.

 

6. Monitoring & Evaluation

  • Track and report gender balance statistics regularly.
  • Conduct surveys and assessments to measure inclusivity and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Integrate findings into continuous improvement plans for gender equality.

 

7. Alignment with EU Policies & SDGs

  • Supports the EU Green Deal & Digital Agenda, promoting an inclusive digital transition.
  • Contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by increasing access to STEM fields.

 

This Gender Equality Plan ensures fairness, diversity, and equal opportunities across all projects, fostering an inclusive and innovative research environment within the EU.