Good practice database to support women in research
The EU-funded project ′Practising gender equality in science′ (Prages) studies good practices in enhancing women's participation in science-oriented academic and research institutions throughout Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) (OECD) countries. The project determines if and how gender-equality-oriented measures are implemented in research management. Data has been collected and classified for the evaluation of favourable strategies, at both national level and that of individual institutions, and made available for use by interest groups. The project aims to integrate the most relevant results in the fight against vertical segregation in social, professional and political areas; and shed light on why women are excluded – i.e. resistance by the scientific community to recognise and manage the social and gender dynamics that drive scientific research. Prages has made its database of good practices accessible to the public via the internet. This tool contains over 100 programmes implemented in universities, research institutes and science and technology-related companies aimed at promoting and maximising female resources. Each programme is described and the results of its evaluation are given according to three main areas: creating a friendly environment for women researchers; promoting awareness of the gender dimension in science and technology priorities, design and use; and supporting women's leadership. Each record also lists factors that either enabled positive outcomes or led to obstacles. To help university leaders and administrators pursue the above three strategic objectives, the 'Guidelines for gender equality programmes in science' tool contains 31 specific recommendations and 61 concrete lines of action. These are accompanied by examples of best practice, with tools for action suggested and advice offered on how to increase the programmes’ overall quality. The project achieved this comprehensive and useful body of information through extensive networking, questionnaires, and quality evaluation and identification of successful solutions. The database and guidelines can be downloaded from the project website.
