The GEPARD project is committed to fostering gender equality within academic environments through the collaborative efforts of an international consortium. Its overarching aim is to create conditions that ensure equal opportunities for women and men across universities. This endeavor encompasses not only the eradication of gender discrimination among both staff and students but also the promotion of diversity, ensuring that the gender perspective is integrated into all facets of university operations. Firstly, it aims to construct a universal model for the implementation of gender equality policies within academic spaces. This model will serve as a blueprint for universities worldwide, with dissemination activities facilitating its adoption across various countries. Secondly, the project seeks to facilitate the exchange and promotion of best practices in gender equality within academia. By sharing successful strategies and approaches, the consortium aims to inspire positive change and progress. Moreover, the GEPARD project prioritizes the strengthening of cooperation between participating entities and represents a multifaceted approach to advancing gender equality in academia.
In the past 15 years, the European Union has made strides in promoting gender equality in research and higher education. However, significant work remains. Gender equality is a core EU value and priority, yet it's not fully realized. Achieving it requires eliminating discrimination across all sectors. Identifying actors to address this varies by context. Gender policy is a priority in Horizon Europe, necessitating collaboration to meet objectives. Challenges include a lack of coherent equality policies, technical solutions, diagnostic tools, and communication channels. Young democracies face conservative backlash threatening women's rights and academic freedom. Female underrepresentation in leadership persists, hindering inclusive decision-making crucial for tackling complex challenges. DEI policies are still not very common in HEs institutions. Only 15% of university rectors are female across 48 countries. COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequalities in academia, highlighting long-standing societal biases. Despite efforts, progress towards gender equality remains insufficient and precarious.