Equal opportunities and gender equality programme to provide support and inspiration
Photo: David Naylor.
A new equal opportunities and gender equality programme will support Uppsala University's systematic equal opportunities work.
Åsa Cajander. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
The programme contains goals for developing attractive, open and inclusive study and work environments, which in turn are fundamental to providing education and pursuing research of the highest quality and relevance.
“A well-established equal opportunities programme helps to make Uppsala University an even more attractive higher education institution internationally, where students and researchers from all over the world can thrive and develop. It also highlights the University’s statutory, systematic work for equal opportunities for staff and students, as well as those who come into contact with the University in various capacities. Another reason is the EU’s requirement that organisations applying for research funding from the EU’s largest research funding programme, Horizon Europe, must have a gender equality plan or an equivalent policy document,” explains Åsa Cajander, Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Equal Opportunities at Uppsala University.
Today, the University meets these requirements through its Gender Mainstreaming Plan for 2023–2025 and the Horizon Europe Appendix. That plan applies until 2025, after which point the Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality Programme will take its place, along with Horizon Europe requirements, to ensure that the University meets the EU’s gender equality requirements.
The programme is based on internal and external regulations, goals and strategies, as well as Sweden’s Discrimination Act, and is intended to provide direction, support and inspiration for development at all levels.
“It’s about contributing to an inclusive environment in which diversity is recognised as an asset for quality in research and education. The programme is also intended to function as a catalyst to develop working methods, strengthen leadership and create the best conditions for every staff member and student to contribute to the success of the University and make a difference globally.”
The programme will be reviewed annually in the same way as other policy documents. More substantial revisions will be made as necessary.
Johan Ahlenius