Gender equality

Introduction

The Gender Equality Plan of the National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic” for 2024–2028 aims to ensure equal opportunities for women, men, and persons of other gender identities across all areas of university activity. Its primary goal is to create an inclusive, discrimination-free environment where everyone can realize their potential regardless of gender.

Gender equality means ensuring equal rights, responsibilities, opportunities, and access to resources for all participants in the educational process, scientific activities, and other staff.

This plan aligns with Ukraine’s national and international commitments, particularly UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Presidential Decree No. 722/2019. It contributes to enhancing the university’s international competitiveness by promoting inclusive policies.

Strategic Goals

The strategic goals focus on key aspects of gender equality at the university:

• Increasing gender equality in teaching and administrative staff: Supporting women’s advancement to leadership positions through mentoring programs, gender-neutral evaluation criteria, and parity representation.
• Ensuring gender equality among students: Increasing the number of women in STEM fields and men in humanities through career guidance, mentoring, and campaigns against stereotypes.
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment: Preventing discrimination, harassment, and violence through anonymous complaint policies, support services, and safety resources.

Specific Goals and Initiatives

Concrete measures are aimed at the practical implementation of gender equality:

• Equal access to grants and scientific projects: Trainings on grant proposal writing, mentoring for women in scientific careers, and support for participation in international conferences.
• Balancing work, study, and family responsibilities: Flexible schedules, remote work, childcare leave for both parents, and on-campus childcare rooms.
• Raising awareness: Regular trainings, seminars, conferences, and information campaigns to combat stereotypes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Positive changes in attitudes toward gender equality based on survey results.
• Improved university reputation as an inclusive institution.
• Reduction or elimination of complaints related to discrimination or harassment.

Engaging external partners: Cooperation with national and international organizations for experience exchange and funding of initiatives.

Monitoring the Current Situation

Monitoring includes a gender audit to identify imbalances:

• Quantitative analysis: Gender ratios among students, faculty, and leadership by field (STEM, humanities).
• Access to education issues: Differences in performance and causes of gender imbalance in specialties.
• Career development: Analysis of access to positions, development programs, grants, and challenges (e.g., family-work balance).
• Gender stereotypes and barriers: Surveys to detect stereotypes, promotion obstacles, and equality in scientific publications.
• Policy evaluation: Impact of university rules on gender equality and effectiveness of anti-discrimination measures.

Audit results are summarized to identify key challenges and areas for improvement.

Measures and Initiatives

Educational Programs and Awareness Activities

• Trainings and seminars: For staff and students on gender equality, discrimination prevention, and stereotypes. Inviting experts for lectures and workshops.
• Information campaigns: Posters, banners, social media, and inclusivity weeks to promote equal opportunities.

Career Development and Mentoring Programs

• Mentoring for women: Support programs in technical fields, leadership trainings, and participation in international projects.
• Equal access to development: Programs for faculty, internships, and conferences with a focus on women.

Working Conditions

• Support for balancing career and family: Flexible schedules, remote work, childcare leave without loss of career prospects.
• Conditions for parents: Childcare rooms, parenting consultations, and support for young parents.

Policy on Preventing Discrimination and Violence

• Protection from discrimination: Policies against bullying, violence, and harassment with anonymous complaint mechanisms and prompt investigation.
• Support for victims: Legal and psychological assistance, plus instructions for filing complaints.

Monitoring

• Effectiveness evaluation: Working group for monitoring, annual surveys, and results reports.
• Plan adjustment: Analysis and revision of measures as needed, involving external experts.