On 21 January 2025, at Izmir University of Economics, Türkiye, WG5 and WG6 organized the event “VOICES in Action: Shaping Gender Equality in Science and Research.” The first day featured several presentations, including:

  • “Introducing VOICES – Making Young Researchers’ Voices Heard for Gender Equality” by Assoc. Prof. Anne-Sophie Godfroy.
  • “A GEP in Action – Practical Tips and Lessons Learned for the Implementation of Gender Equality Plans” by Dr. Jennifer Dahmen-Adkins.
  • “Using Intersectionality as an Approach in GEPs, UK” by Assoc. Prof. Victoria Showunmi.
  • “Gender Equality Policies, Proposals, and Existing Gender Equality Tools” by PhDc. Şerife Durna.
  • “Integrating Gender Perspectives in EU Research and Innovation” by Dr. Rakibe Kulcur, etc.

On the second day, parallel workshops and case studies were conducted:

  • “Co-Creation Workshops Including Mentoring for ECRs Only” moderated by Dr. Ola Thomson, PhDc. Şerife Durna, and Dr. Jennifer Dahmen-Adkins.
  • “Implementing Gender Equality / SWAN, UK and Discussions” moderated by Assoc. Prof. Victoria Showunmi.
  • “Advancing Gender Equality at Izmir University of Economics – Insights into Current GEP, Policies, Plans, and Stakeholder Feedback” by Assoc. Prof. Devrim Sezer.

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion, where participants shared experiences in academia, explored future networking opportunities, and exchanged insights on gender equality and GEP implementation.

The seminar aimed to address gender equality challenges in academia, foster solidarity among early career researchers (ECRs), and promote open dialogue on sensitive topics while maintaining confidentiality.

 

On 3-4 March 2025, WG6 representative Dr. Liva Grinevica presented her report “Gender Equality Policy and Its Impact on Women in Latvia” at the “COST Voices Action Capacity Building Symposium for Early Career Researchers” organized by Vilnius University.

The report highlighted the positive effects of Latvia’s gender equality policy on women’s representation and participation across various sectors. However, continuous efforts are needed to address ongoing challenges and ensure comprehensive gender equality in all aspects of society.

 

On 7-9 March 2025, Dr. Liva Grinevica shared key research findings in her presentation “Creativity of Rural Women in Promoting Employment Using Platform Work Opportunities” at the 7th International Economic Forum “Innovation. Trust. Responsibility: Latest Scientific Findings, Cooperation & Best Practice” organized by the Institute of Economics, Latvian Academy of Sciences. The findings suggest that rural women do not always challenge themselves professionally. To achieve their career goals and integrate successfully into the labour market, they should leverage their education, professional skills, creativity, and other strengths.