Support to the implementation of inclusive gender equality plans

The institutional change strategy implemented through gender equality plans (GEPs) has had very positive impacts in many R&I organisations and been a catalyser at national and EU level, as attested by several reports[[ https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-1202-2021-INIT/en/pdf]]. The introduction of a GEP eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe, for public bodies, research organisations and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries, has increased the level of uptake of gender equality activities. However, there remains a heterogeneity in the implementation of GEPs across the EU and Associated Countries, particularly in the Widening countries. Furthermore, the new ERA framework established through the Council Recommendation and Council Conclusions adopted on 26 November 2021[[