Gender Action Plan

Consistent with the aims of the Helsinki Group on Women and Science SABRE considers equality of both men and women as an important issue and encourages the involvement of both sexes in SABRE. The ‘Women in Science’ document recommends that at least 40% of those involved in science are female, SABRE meets and exceeds this target. SABRE involves women at all levels from early researchers to WP leaders. SABRE has a large proportion of female early stage researchers but a low proportion of experienced researchers. SABRE’s gender action plan will aim to increase the number of women developing careers in science and taking on roles at higher levels within SABRE.

Objectives

·       To encourage the greater participation of women in science

·       To better understand the different needs of the genders of researchers involved within SABRE partners and promote relevant change to meet better these needs

Action Plan

The following initiatives will be implemented:

·       SABRE will aim to employ an equal proportion of men to women within its research staff with a conscious effort to consider gender issues. The percentage of women involved in the project will be monitored annually and women will be continually encouraged to participate in science at all levels

·       Where Board members or Work Package leaders are unable to attend meetings a female representative will be encouraged to attend in their place

·       Activities to increase awareness in science of the importance of gender equality will be undertaken. In addition steps will be made to encourage more women into science promoting flexible working hours and family friendly policies

·       SABRE will adopt a universal gender equality policy which will use a set of indicators to measure the progress of partners in increasing/maintaining levels of gender equality. Indicators will measure recruitment, retention and career development of women as well as progress in compliance with policies, procedures and programmes which affect the position of both sexes

·       Action plan for those institutes not seen as complying with ethics concerning equal opportunities. This process will be evaluated by an external expert in gender equality and reviewed

·       Female project leaders will act as mentors for younger female researchers and they will be encouraged to become involved in women’s forums with continual support and advice with career development

·       Female scientists will be encouraged to be involved in schools and University activities relevant to promoting science as a career option for women

Gender Representative

To guarantee continuous monitoring and surveillance of gender aspects, the Coordinator and Board of SABRE have appointed Elisabetta Giuffra of Parco Tecnologico Padano as women’s representative for the duration of the project. Her tasks include coordinating the networking with the female scientist networks and checking project documentation for gender aspects.