1Introduction and Purpose

The Global Center for Security Studies (GCSS) is committed to advancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of its research, operations, and governance. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) establishes the institution’s strategic framework for achieving gender balance and promoting equal opportunities in line with relevant national equality legislation.

The GEP aims to:

• Prevent discrimination and gender bias in recruitment, promotion, and research.
• Foster an inclusive institutional culture that values gender diversity.
• Strengthen women’s participation and leadership in research and management.
• Integrate the gender dimension into research design, analysis, and dissemination.

2Legal and Policy Framework

This plan aligns with the following frameworks and principles:

• EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Articles 21 & 23)
• European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) GEP Guidelines
• Horizon Europe GEP Eligibility Criteria (2021–2027)
• UK Equality Act 2010 (where applicable to GCSS operations)
• GCSS’s internal Code of Ethics and Diversity Policy

3Governance and Accountability

The implementation of the GEP is overseen by the Gender Equality Committee (GEC), chaired by the Director of Human Resources, reporting directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring compliance and progress against targets.
• Reporting annually to the Board and publishing updates on the GCSS website.
• Coordinating gender training, awareness campaigns, and data collection.
• Reviewing institutional policies for gender impact.

A Gender Equality Officer (GEO) is appointed to coordinate daily implementation and act as a liaison for staff.

4Baseline Assessment (2024 Data Snapshot)

• Gender balance in recruitment panels is maintained (minimum 40% each gender).
• Flexible working and parental leave policies exist but require higher uptake among men.

This data forms the baseline for progress measurement (2025–2027).

5Strategic Objectives and Actions (2025–2027)

6Capacity Building and Awareness

GCSS recognises that cultural change is essential to achieving gender equality. Key initiatives include:

• Annual gender equality training for all employees and researchers.
• Workshops on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and equitable communication.
• Awareness campaigns on International Women’s Day and Gender Equality Week.
• Integration of gender equality topics into internal newsletters and staff onboarding.

7Data Monitoring and Evaluation

Progress is reviewed annually using quantitative and qualitative data, including:

• Staff gender ratios by role and level.
• Participation in training, recruitment, and research leadership.
• Results of workplace satisfaction and inclusion surveys.

The Gender Equality Committee publishes an Annual Gender Equality Report summarising findings and recommending adjustments to the plan.

8Communication and Dissemination

The GEP and its updates are:

• Published on the GCSS official website under the “Policies and Governance” section.
• Shared with all staff and project partners.
• Included in funding proposals to demonstrate Horizon Europe compliance.

All communications ensure transparency and accessibility.

9Review and Continuous Improvement

The GEP is a living document, subject to continuous monitoring and annual review by the Gender Equality Committee. Updates will reflect progress, challenges, and evolving EU guidance.

The next full review will occur in December 2026, with stakeholder consultation to inform the 2027–2029 plan.

10Approval and Endorsement

This Gender Equality Plan has been formally approved by the Board of Directors of the Global Center for Security Studies on 10 January 2025 and will remain in effect until superseded by an updated version.