Gender-based violence including sexual harassment in research organisations and universities

Building on existing studies and knowledge generated in previous research initiatives, at national or European level, such as EU-funded Horizon 2020 Gender Equality Plan projects, the Gender Equality in Academia and Research (GEAR) tool[[http://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gear/action-toolbox See for example: http://usvreact.eu/ and http://www.itstopsnow.org/ http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/programmes-2014-2020/rec/index_en.htm]], as well as projects[[http://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gear/action-toolbox See for example: http://usvreact.eu/ and http://www.itstopsnow.org/ http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/programmes-2014-2020/rec/index_en.htm]] funded through the DAPHNE strand of the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme[[http://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gear/action-toolbox See for example: http://usvreact.eu/ and http://www.itstopsnow.org/ http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/programmes-2014-2020/rec/index_en.htm]], this research and innovation action will:

• Investigate the various forms of GBV including sexual harassment in European higher education systems and research organisations, for both staff and students, including the particular situation of those with short-term affiliations to the organisation (e.g. visiting academic staff, exchange students) as well as potential additional social determinants, (e.g. ethnicity, sexual orientation). It will build on previous research and, where needed, collect quantitative and qualitative data from at least 15 Member States and Associated Countries, taking various geographical locations into account. National legal and policy frameworks should be also taken into account.

• Identify the role of universities and research organisations, including research funding organisations as well as the role of support networks in A) preventing various forms of GBV (e.g. changing social attitudes and behaviour in order to end tolerance of all forms of violence; awareness raising through e.g. forum theatre); B) protecting victims (e.g. psychological, medical and legal support; anti- retaliation policies; training staff, including bystanders, to respond to early signs of GBV; securing campuses and workplaces and C) prosecuting the perpetrators (e.g. procedures to document GBV incidents; consequences for perpetrators at organisation-level; reporting to the police)

• Develop evidence-based case studies of implemented measures at organisation-level for each of the above- mentioned aspects (prevention, protection and prosecution) and outline what works and what does not work in various contexts

• Formulate concrete recommendations for universities and research organisations, including research funding organisations, on how to combat GBV in its various forms; and develop prevention plans, hands-on tool-kits, training material and dissemination material (like videos, infographics, brochures, etc.) that can be implemented and used by universities and research organisations through their Gender Equality Plans or as stand-alone measures.

• Disseminate its outcomes and materials (case studies, recommendations, toolkits, awareness-raising material etc.) to European research organisations and universities on GBV including sexual harassment and carry out information sessions and trainings for decision-makers, staff and students. Produced material will be made available at the “Gender Equality in Academia and Research” (GEAR) tool’s website[[http://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gear]].

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 2.80 million and EUR 3.20 million and duration of 36 months would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts or duration.

Gender-based violence (GBV) [[For the purpose of this call, GBV is defined as violence directed against a person because of that person's gender or as violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. Sexual harassment is defined as “any form of unwanted verbal, non‐verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” (Article 40 of Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence).]] is happening across the European Union (EU) and is a human rights violation. It is both a cause and a consequence of inequalities between women and men. There exist numerous reports of women and men within European universities and research institutions, who have experienced sexual harassment and who report its detrimental effects on their personal wellbeing as well as their scientific career. GBV including sexual harassment in European universities and research organisations tends to be underestimated and there is little knowledge about it. Several studies have shown that women in precarious working conditions (e.g. PhD students) or exchange students seem to be particularly at risk to experience GBV or sexual harassment.

Better understanding of GBV in European universities and research organisations. Effective policies and measures implemented at universities and research organisations. Increased capacity of staff and students to address GBV. Reduction of GBV in academic environments and research workplaces in Europe.