Fact Sheet N.6 Evolution of Gender Equality Plan (GEP) Development in Agriculture & Life Sciences Higher Education Institutions

This Fact Sheet presents the evolution from first-generation Gender Equality Plans (GEP 1.0) toward more advanced, transformation-oriented GEP 2.0 models within Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS) higher education institutions. It summarises key insights from the AGRIGEP Horizon Europe project, which supports universities in Central and Eastern Europe in strengthening gender equality structures, capacities and institutional cultures. The document explains why gender equality is essential in ALS—improving research quality, safety, innovation, and opportunities for students and staff—and highlights the limitations of early GEPs, which were often compliance-driven and lacked data, clarity and sector specificity. GEP 2.0 is introduced as a more evidence-based, accountable and context-sensitive approach that embeds gender equality into research, teaching, governance and field practices. The Fact Sheet outlines AGRIGEP’s achievements, including capacity building, improved data collection, ALS-specific safety measures, and increased stakeholder engagement. It also identifies next steps for universities to ensure sustainable, long-term gender equality transformation beyond project frameworks.