Gender Equality, Inclusion and Well-being in Higher Education: Rethinking Institutional Cultures in Times of Change

Content

This session explores gender equality, inclusion, and well-being in higher education, examining structural gaps alongside with intersectional dynamics of identity and exclusion. It considers how emerging challenges—digitalisation, AI, academic precarity, and mental health—are reshaping gender equality in academic institutions. Through evidence-based discussion and case examples, participants critically assess institutional policies (sucha as Gender Equality Plans) and everyday practices, concluding with an action-planning exercise to identify concrete steps toward more gender inclusive, and equitable academic communities.

General Objectives

• Understand gender equality as a foundation for inclusion and well-being in contemporary higher education.
• Analyse how institutional policies, academic cultures, and everyday practices shape gender equity, belonging, and well-being.
• Recognise the impact of emerging challenges (digitalisation, AI, transformation of academic work, growing diversity, mental health) on gender equality and inclusion.
• Identify practical strategies for advancing gender equality and fostering more inclusive, equitable, and healthy academic communities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Explain key concepts: gender equality, gender bias, intersectionality, belonging, and well-being.
• Identify institutional practices (e.g., recruitment, promotion, evaluation, leadership representation) that support or hinder gender equality.
• Recognise the implications of emerging challenges for gender equality in higher education communities.
• Propose concrete actions to advance gender equality and build inclusive, and healthy academic environments.