At the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, a Gender Equality Plan for the years 2022–2025 has been adopted for implementation, aiming to create a safe and equal environment at the University.
The Gender Equality Plan (GEP) refers to strategies and public policies adopted at both the European Union and national levels, while also implementing the objectives of the internal strategies and policies of the University of Information Technology and Management. More about the GEP can be found here.
The Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an important complement to the university policies introduced in the 2020/2021 academic year regarding the prevention of mobbing, discrimination, and violence against employees, students, and postgraduate participants. The implementation of the GEP’s objectives—such as raising awareness of the need for gender equality and diversity within the academic community, as well as, importantly, increasing awareness of various forms of gender-based discrimination and their sources—will contribute to more effective prevention and elimination of these phenomena at our University, as emphasized by the Rector’s Plenipotentiary for Counteracting Mobbing, Discrimination and Violence, Dr. Katarzyna Kurzępa-Dedo.
Areas / Objectives / Actions of the Gender Equality Plan
SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
Integrating gender equality issues into research and teaching.
DECISION-MAKING AND ADVISORY PROCESSES
Ensuring balanced gender representation in the University’s management as well as in other decision-making, advisory, and working groups.
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Facilitating the reconciliation of professional and family responsibilities.
SAFETY
Preventing and combating gender-based discrimination.
The practical state of gender equality at our University is very positive. Women serve as Vice-Rectors and Deans. Middle management positions—both in the academic sphere (Vice-Deans) and in administration—are in fact dominated by women. However, this does not mean that there is nothing left to be done. Changes in awareness and mindset are essentially an ongoing process. Building a culture of equality is a particular challenge for our multicultural University, which must balance respect for diversity with the promotion of gender equality,” says the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Dr. hab. Agata Jurkowska-Gomułka, Professor at UITM.
Academic Network for Safety and Equality
The Academic Network for Safety and Equality (ASBiR) is an organization bringing together individuals at Polish higher education institutions who hold roles related to the protection of academic rights and values, as well as safety, equality, and diversity among both students and staff. Its main objective is to provide a safe and confidential space for sharing knowledge and experiences regarding issues present at universities and ways of addressing them, as well as identifying best practices in situations requiring support.
“Currently, we are one of the few non-public universities whose representative responsible for counteracting mobbing, discrimination, and violence is a member of ASBiR,” emphasizes Dr. Katarzyna Kurzępa-Dedo.
HR Excellence in Research
The HR Excellence in Research award, granted by the European Commission, confirms that an institution provides a supportive research work environment and implements transparent recruitment principles for researchers.
Maintaining this prestigious distinction has required—and continues to require—the implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at developing and improving recruitment, employment, and evaluation processes for academic staff. The first report on the implementation of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) at the University of Information Technology and Management was submitted in 2019 and received a positive evaluation from European Commission experts,” says the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Dr. hab. Agata Jurkowska-Gomułka, Professor at UITM.
