Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
Organization: Romanian Association for Pediatric Education in Family Medicine
Approved by: Raluca Ghionaru/President
Date: 01.08.2025
Published on: 29.08.2025
1. Introduction and Commitment
Romanian Association for Pediatric Education in Family Medicine is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where all individuals—regardless of gender—are empowered to contribute, thrive, and lead. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) formalises our approach to embedding gender equality across our structures, culture, and practices. It reflects our commitment to European and international standards, including the European Charter for Researchers, Horizon Europe requirements, and national legislation.
2. Governance and Dedicated Resources
- A Gender Equality Officer (GEO) will be appointed to coordinate the implementation of this plan.
- Annual budgets will include dedicated resources for gender equality actions, training, and monitoring activities.
- External gender expertise may be engaged when necessary to provide specialised input and independent evaluations.
3. Data Collection, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Romanian Association for Pediatric Education in Family Medicine will collect and analyze sex and gender disaggregated data annually across staff, students, leadership positions, recruitment, salaries, promotions, and retention.
- Annual Gender Equality Reports will be published, presenting key indicators and progress towards targets.
- A dashboard of gender indicators will be maintained and shared internally.
- Regular staff surveys will assess organisational culture, perceptions of equality, and work-life balance.
4. Training and Awareness-Raising
- Mandatory induction training for all new staff on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
- Unconscious bias training for managers, recruiters, evaluators, and decision-makers.
- Workshops and seminars on gender-sensitive teaching, research design, and supervision.
- Annual awareness campaigns (e.g., International Women’s Day, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence).
5. Key Action Areas
5.1 Work-Life Balance and Organisational Culture
- Promote flexible working arrangements (remote work, flexible hours, part-time roles).
- Ensure parental leave policies are accessible and equally encouraged for all genders.
- Support reintegration after leave (e.g., mentoring, workload adjustments).
- Foster a culture that values well-being and inclusivity through codes of conduct and leadership endorsement.
5.2 Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making
- Set measurable targets for gender representation in governing boards, committees, and senior leadership.
- Introduce transparent nomination and election processes for leadership roles.
- Establish mentorship and leadership programmes to support women and underrepresented groups.
5.3 Gender Equality in Recruitment and Career Progression
- Ensure gender-neutral and inclusive language in all job postings.
- Require gender-balanced recruitment panels and shortlists.
- Monitor pay gaps and implement corrective actions where disparities exist.
- Provide clear, transparent promotion criteria and career development pathways.
5.4 Integration of Gender Dimension into Research and Teaching
- Incorporate sex and gender analysis into research methodologies where relevant.
- Encourage inclusion of gender perspectives in curricula and teaching materials.
- Provide training and resources for researchers and educators on gender-sensitive content.
- Incentivise projects and teaching practices that integrate gender dimensions.
5.5 Measures Against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment
- Adopt and enforce a zero-tolerance policy on gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination.
- Establish confidential reporting mechanisms and clear procedures for investigation and sanctions.
- Appoint trained harassment advisors/ombudspersons to provide support to victims.
- Offer counselling and support services for staff and students affected by harassment or violence.
6. Monitoring and Accountability
- The GEO will monitor progress.
- Annual progress will be reported to the Executive Board and shared publicly.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will include:
• Gender ratios in staff categories and leadership roles
• Recruitment and promotion data by gender
• Uptake of flexible work and parental leave by gender
• Reports of harassment and resolution outcomes
- A mid-term review (every 2 years) will update priorities and adjust measures.
7. Conclusion
This Gender Equality Plan represents RLMH’s long-term commitment to creating an equitable workplace and academic environment. Success requires the active participation of all staff, leadership, and students. By implementing the actions outlined here, we aim to ensure sustainable progress towards a fair, inclusive, and high-performing organisation.
Signed by:
Raluca Ghionaru
AREPMF President
01.08.2025
