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Gender and Underrepresented Groups in Research, Innovation, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports

Promoting gender equality is a core activity for the EU. The European Commission is committed to promoting gender equality in research and innovation. It is part of the European Commission Gender Equality Strategy for 2020-2025, which sets out the Commission’s broader commitment to equality across all EU policies. In addition, the EU has a well-established regulatory framework on gender equality, including binding directives, which apply widely across the labour market including the research sector.

Because of the peculiarities of the research sector, specific action is needed to overcome persisting gender gaps. Many structural barriers to gender equality in research and innovation persist.

The European Commission addresses these barriers through:

  • the main funding instrument Horizon 2020, the first framework programme to set gender as a cross-cutting issue, with one of the underpinning objectives being to integrate the gender dimension into research and innovation  content.
  • within the European Research Area in collaboration with member countries and research organisations. Already under the ERA Communication 2012 framework, the European Commission has set 3 objectives to work with EU countries and foster an institutional change (gender equality in scientific careers, gender balance in decision making, integration of the gender dimension into the content of research and innovation).

The Western Balkans are at a crossroads, where the need for inclusivity and diversity in key sectors has never been more evident. From research and innovation to education, culture, youth empowerment, and sports, the region is beginning to implement strategies that prioritize gender equality and the inclusion of underrepresented groups. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that these initiatives reach their full potential. Below you will find initiatives and programs related to gender in all sectors.

Gender and Inclusion in Research and Innovation

Research and innovation (R&I) are critical drivers of economic growth and development. However, gender disparities remain a significant issue, particularly in the Western Balkans. Addressing these imbalances is essential for advancing both innovation and inclusivity.

For detailed insights, refer to She Figures 2021 – Gender in Research and Innovation Statistics and Indicators, which offers data and analysis on approximately 88 indicators to monitor gender equality in R&I across Europe.

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)plays a vital role by conducting independent research and sharing best practices to promote gender equality and combat gender-based discrimination. As the EU’s dedicated agency for gender equality, EIGE works to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of gender or background.

Initiatives and Programmes for Gender and Inclusion in Research and Innovation:

WBC-RRI – Responsible Research and Innovation in the Western Balkans The project Embedding RRI in Western Balkan Countries: Enhancement of Self-Sustaining R&I Ecosystems, highly recognized by its acronym WBC-RRI.NET. WBC-RRI.NET fosters the application of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) at the territorial level in five Western Balkan Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystems and promotes a multi-level governance framework for steering R&I in the Western Balkans (WB).

Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) – Gender Equality works on regional cooperation initiatives, including gender equality programs in the Western Balkans. They aim to enhance gender equality through collaborative research and policy initiatives.

Balkan Trust for Democracy  (BTD), a project of the German Marshall Fund, provides grants and support for initiatives in the Western Balkans, including those promoting gender equality and inclusion in various sectors, including research.

Supporting Underrepresented Groups in Education

Different programmes are actively addressing these challenges by collaborating with regional governments to promote inclusive education systems. Their work focuses on creating environments where every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. This includes developing policies and programs that ensure equitable access to education, implementing training for educators to support diverse learning needs, and fostering community engagement to build a culture of inclusion.

Through these initiatives, the aim is to dismantle the obstacles faced by underrepresented groups and pave the way for a more inclusive and effective educational framework. By focusing on these critical areas, they are working towards a future where all individuals in the Western Balkans can benefit from transformative educational opportunities.

Initiatives and Programmes for Supporting Underrepresented Groups in Education :

The Women Entrepreneurship Group supports and empowers women in business, building their network across sectors and across borders in Europe and the world. It was founded as a sectoral group in 2013 within the EEN and was transformed into a thematic group in 2022. with over 60 members coming from almost all European countries.

Erasmus+ Program supports education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. It includes specific actions aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity in education across the Western Balkans.

Roma Education Fund (REF) supports educational initiatives for Roma and other marginalized groups in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, focusing on improving access and quality of education.

The European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) works on issues related to minority rights and education, including initiatives aimed at improving educational access for underrepresented groups in the Western Balkans.

Cultural Inclusion: Gender and Diversity in Arts and Culture

Cultural expression is a mirror of societal diversity and inclusion, offering a window into the values and dynamics of a community. The Western Balkans, with its rich tapestry of traditions and vibrant cultural scene, is a testament to the region’s artistic and cultural wealth. However, despite this vibrant landscape, the representation of gender and diversity within the arts remains a work in progress.

Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minorities frequently encounter barriers to visibility and opportunity within the cultural sector. These groups often face systemic obstacles that limit their access to platforms and resources, resulting in a cultural sphere that does not fully reflect the region’s diverse population.

Initiatives and Programmes for Cultural Inclusion: Gender and Diversity in Arts and Culture:

Balkan Cultural Network  aims to strengthen cultural cooperation in the Balkans and often includes projects that promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the arts.

Cultural Policy and Management Institute – Western Balkans supports cultural management and policy initiatives in the Western Balkans, with a focus on promoting gender equality and diversity in cultural projects.

The Culture Moves Europe Programme supports mobility and collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors, including projects in the Western Balkans that focus on gender and diversity.

Youth Empowerment and Inclusion

Young people in the Western Balkans are pivotal in shaping the region’s future and driving social transformation. Their energy, creativity, and potential for change make them essential contributors to societal progress. However, many youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, face significant obstacles that hinder their development and opportunities.

Unemployment is a major challenge for young people in the region, with limited resources and job opportunities exacerbating the situation. For those from marginalized communities, these challenges are often compounded by systemic barriers that restrict access to education, training, and employment. Young women, in particular, encounter additional hurdles due to entrenched societal norms and discrimination. These gender-specific barriers can limit their access to educational and professional opportunities, affecting their ability to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.

Initiatives and Programmes for Youth Empowerment and Inclusion:

Erasmus+ Program supports youth exchanges, training, and education projects across Europe, including the Western Balkans. It promotes youth empowerment and inclusion through various funded initiatives.

Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) is an initiative that provides support and opportunities for young people in the Western Balkans to develop skills, participate in community projects, and enhance their employability.

Council of Europe – Youth Sector works on empowering young people and promoting inclusion through various programs and initiatives in the Western Balkans.

The European Youth Foundation (EYF) supports youth-led projects across Europe, including the Western Balkans, with a focus on empowering young people and promoting inclusive participation.

Gender Equality in Sports

Sports have the unique ability to bridge societal divides and foster unity, serving as a powerful tool for inclusivity and social cohesion. Yet, in the Western Balkans, gender inequality remains a significant challenge within the sports arena. Despite the potential of sports to unite and inspire, women’s participation is frequently hindered by deep-seated societal attitudes and inadequate infrastructure.

In many parts of the region, traditional norms and stereotypes continue to limit opportunities for women and girls in sports. These societal attitudes often manifest in a lack of support and recognition for female athletes, unequal access to facilities, and limited opportunities for competition and development.

Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to promote gender equality in sports. This includes challenging outdated stereotypes, investing in women’s sports infrastructure, and creating policies that ensure equal opportunities and support for female athletes. By tackling these barriers, the Western Balkans can harness the unifying power of sports to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Initiatives and Programmes for Gender Equality in Sports:

Erasmus+ Sport Program funds projects aimed at promoting gender equality in sports across Europe, including the Western Balkans. It supports initiatives that work towards equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

European Commission – Sport and Gender Equality supports projects aimed at improving gender equality in sports across Europe, including the Western Balkans. The focus is on increasing women’s participation and addressing gender disparities.

European Network for Women and Sport (ENWS) works on advancing gender equality in sports across Europe. They support initiatives and collaborations in the Western Balkans aimed at increasing women’s representation and participation in sports.

The Western Balkans stand at a pivotal moment in its journey toward greater inclusivity and equality. Across research, innovation, education, culture, youth, and sports, the region is increasingly embracing initiatives that aim to integrate gender equality and support underrepresented groups. By addressing existing disparities and promoting diverse participation, these efforts are not only fostering a more equitable environment but also harnessing the full potential of its diverse populations.

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