Global Center for Security Studies (GCSS)
Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
Effective Date: January 2025
Approved by: Board of Directors, Global Center for Security Studies
Review Cycle: Annual
1. Introduction 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.
2. Legal 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
3. Governance 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.
4. Baseline Assessment (2024 Data Snapshot)
Women represent 43% of GCSS research and administrative staff.
At senior leadership level (Director/Head of Department), representation is 27% female.
Among project leads and principal investigators, 33% are women.
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).
5. Strategic Objectives and Actions (2025–2027)
6. Capacity 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.
7. Data 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.
8. Communication 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.
9. Review 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.
10. Approval 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.
Signed:
Dr. Ahmet Celik
Director
Global Center for Security Studies (GCSS)
