Overcoming resistance to change: shifting mindsets through training

CNR is the largest public research institution in Italy, and the only one directly under the Ministry for Research. The organisation is multi-disciplinary, with several institutes and research schools, mainly in the STEM field. According to Lucio Pisacane, researcher and leader of the MINDtheGEPs efforts at CNR, there is a more general resistance to discussing gender from scientists, who question the relevance of gender equality in relation to their work. Many of them perceive issues like equality as external in relation to their work that deals with scientific problems, not what can be viewed as “small” problems or aspects of society.

For the project to succeed, this perception has to be countered. One way of shifting mindsets is through training, which is why the MINDtheGEPs team has focused on educating their peers and highlighting how gender imbalances directly affect the research environment and its outcomes. However, according to Lucio Pisacane, shifting mindsets is only one part of the challenge of overcoming resistance to change. In large organisations like CNR, structural and cultural change is often complex and slow. Which means that different resistances have to be dealt with in different ways. “Many of the measures of the gender equality plan required many efforts, because they touch upon different offices of the organisation,” says Lucio Pisacane.

MINDtheGEPs is addressing both cultural and structural barriers to gender equality, aiming towards a more inclusive research environment that recognize the importance of diversity in science. By shifting mindsets and navigating bureaucratic challenges, gender equality is possible. Within CNR and beyond.

The project has sparked a gender equality transformation at CNR by training staff members from different disciplines and sites across Italy. Through the project’s “train-the-trainers” program, participants from the north to southern parts of Italy were equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable gender equality initiatives within their research organisation. The approach included an open call, where eight individuals were selected for training. The trainees became trainers themselves, building a network within the organisation. Despite the eight initially being strangers selected through an open call, the group formed strong connections, turning into a motivated team of gender equality advocates.

Training is vital for promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) outlines three key principles for effective training on these sensitive topics: engaging the entire organisation, basing training on evidence-based needs, and ensuring a long-term process. MINDtheGEPs uses a train-the-trainers approach, to develop gender equality training competencies within organisations in a sustainable way. Sustainably building a pool of competent trainers that are able to provide training through face-to-face sessions, online modules, guidance materials, and expert networks. The trainers become responsible for two specific MINDtheGEPs training modules. The Empow_Lab, which provides training for junior researchers (particularly women) to enhance their research skills and career progression, and the Breaktop_Lab, which focuses on raising gender awareness and challenging stereotypes in selection processes.

Lucio Pisacane describes the train-the-trainers program at CNR as a success story, highlighting how it transformed previously isolated individuals into a connected network of gender equality advocates. By building strong relationships and empowering participants, MINDtheGEPs is demonstrating the power of training and networking to drive real change within large, complex organisations.

Do you want to learn more about our train-the-trainers approach?
Visit our web page: https://www.mindthegeps.eu/w/home/our-approach/building-capacity-through-training

Read our policy recommendations on promoting gender equality through training:

• Krzemińska, Katarzyna., Migalska, Alexandra., Sekuła, Paulina., & Stoecker, Ewa. (2024). Empowering women in research careers: Training early career researchers to promote gender equality. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/ zenodo.11032882
• Krzemińska, Katarzyna., Migalska, Alexandra., Sekuła, Paulina., & Stoecker, Ewa. (2024). Raising awareness & challenging stereotypes. Training senior leaders to promote gender equality. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1108227

By Josepine Fernow & Fanny Klingvall