Managing organisational complexities and lack of regulation
Large research organisations are specialised and divided according to discipline, supported by cross-cutting support structures. Successful implementation and long-term sustainability of gender equality plans require commitment from every unit and department.
Structural change requires the involvement of key individuals in positions of power who are committed to advancing gender equality. At the University of Belgrade’s School of Electrical Engineering (ETF), the Dean took on a very visible role through active participation in a new gender equality award committee.
Developing and implementing actions to promote gender equality requires resources. According to Nevena Prešić, Secretary of ETF expert bodies and ETF Research Support Office legal advisor,
the Dean's engagement represents some of the best returns on investment. Another example of time well invested is the footwork that went into informal talks about how actions connected to the gender equality plan benefits both employees and ETF as an organisation. More concrete actions that proved worthwhile were initiatives to support work-life balance. For example, reducing weekend exam duties and specific measures targeting parents with young children, like workshops for kids during exams.
Most research organisations are complex, and ETF is no exception. It is a separate legal entity under the University of Belgrade’s umbrella, where some responsibilities are with the University (for example the PhD programme), and some are directly under ETF. According to Nevena Prešić, the primary challenges that the team faced had to do with the division of responsibility for tasks between different departments.
“For us it was necessary to coordinate work schedules and duties of all to achieve results”, says Nevena Prešić.
A complicating factor for ETF has to do with the lack of national laws and regulations about gender equality that could serve as support structures.
“At first it was necessary to create regulations and to harmonise them with domestic law. We did that at the faculty level with the gender equality action plan” says Nevena Prešić and adds the next steps is to ensure there are laws on gender equality on the national level.
Do you want to know more?
- MINDtheGEPs: University of Belgrade – School of Electrical Engineering (ETF)
- MINDtheGEPs: Gender Equality Plans
By Josepine Fernow