Gender equality is a fundamental value of the European Union. Gender equality benefits research and innovation by attracting and retaining more talent and ensuring that everyone can maximise their potential. There has been proven progress towards gender equality in the European research area but data show that there is still significant work to be done. A structural approach is hence needed. The introduction of the gender equality plan supports these efforts.

From 2022 onwards, a gender equality plan (GEP) will be required from public bodies, higher education institutes and research organisations in the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe. These GEPs are intended to help Europe achieve gender equality in general across research and innovation activities.

The GEP is a set of commitments and actions that aim to promote gender equality in an organisation through institutional and cultural change. Each GEP must meet 4 mandatory requirements:

1. Public document
2. Dedicated resources
3. Data collection and monitoring
4. Training

In addition, there are 6 recommended thematic areas that organisations may wish to consider in their GEP:

• Balance between work and private life
• Gender balance in leadership and decision making 
• Gender balance in recruitment and career development
• Gender dimension in research 
• Gender related harassment 
• Monitoring and data gathering