References in Equality: A Step Forwards
The University of Lleida (UdL) has decided to take significant measures for the promotion of gender equality, incorporating members of the educational community as references in equality. These figures will act as a support for those who need advice or want to file complaints about sexist violence.
An ambitious plan for 2025-2028
The new Equality Plan, recently approved, includes a total of 54 measures that will be applied to all UdL staff, both teaching and administrative. With an initial period of four years, the plan can be extended up to two more years, thus guaranteeing its effective application.
Strategic axes of the plan
The measures are articulated around three fundamental axes: the promotion of an equality culture, the guarantee of equality in the work environment and the creation of a safe and respectful university environment. These actions have been the result of a dialogue with the unions and a thorough diagnosis that has analyzed various fields.
Relevant diagnosis and data
The previous study has revealed that the gender pay gap at the UdL is about 9-11%, without evidence of illegality. Another worrying aspect is the scissor effect, which shows a decrease in female presence at the highest levels of the academic career.
Talent Floor: A challenge to overcome
The phenomenon known as ‘Leaky Pipeline’ has also been identified, where women have a representation equal to that of men in the early stages of their research career, but this proportion decreases as they move on.
Concrete measures for equality
Among the highlights, the plan provides for the creation of a salary record to monitor the evolution of the pay gap. Equality trainings are also proposed for managers and staff, as well as the modification of regulations to guarantee a better female representation in honorary distinctions.
Institutional commitment
Doctoral dissertation directors and tutors must explicitly commit to respecting equality policies and prevent bullying, while updating studies on the perception of gender -based violence within the university community.
A future with positive perspectives
With this plan, the UdL seeks not only to address existing inequalities, but also to build a more inclusive and safe academic environment for all its members. The implementation of these measures could mark a before and after in the fight for gender equality within higher education.
