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.
May 2026
Lecture by Lilit Movsisyan from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
On 5 May 2026, a lecture on hate speech was held for students on English-taught programmes.
The lecture, entitled ‘An introduction to addressing hate crime’, was delivered by Lilit Movsisyan from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
March 2026
Seminar organised by the SEARCH Social Research Society
On 27 March 2026, a research seminar was held, organised by the SEARCH Social Research Society, operating within the College of Media and Social Communication at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, dedicated to the presentation of the results of two research projects:
Research to support students in Rzeszów. Professional careers from a gender perspective (RISE). The project leader, Marlena Szczur, BSc, delivered a paper entitled:
“Gender (un)significant? Research on student career support systems in Rzeszów from the perspective of gender identity”
Algorithmic identity – uncovering gender and gender identity biases in generative artificial intelligence (ALI).
The project leader, Dominik Stojak, gave a presentation:
“Identity anti-generators: how do GenAI tools reproduce gender inequalities?”
Both research projects were carried out as part of academic activities related to gender equality, anti-discrimination, and anti-violence practices.
February 2026
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Women at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów play a vital role. They conduct scientific research and publish their findings in international journals; they serve as experts on the Science Evaluation Committee; they chair academic councils, research sections and associations; they are co-authors of patented projects; they are recipients of research grants; and they help shape European teaching standards.
January 2026
Report on the implementation in 2025 of the University’s Gender Equality Plan for 2022–2025, adopted by Order of the Rector of WSIiZ No. 80/2022 of 4 November 2022, aimed at creating a safe and equal environment.
December 2025 – January 2026
Continuation of survey research: Rzeszów Initiative for Student Activation – Career paths from a gender perspective
In May 2025, students from the SEARCH Social Research Club, operating at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, conducted a survey among their colleagues from their home university as part of the RISE research project – Rzeszów Initiative for Student Activation – Career paths from a gender perspective.
The aim of the survey is to gather information on the experiences of students combining their studies with professional work, which will then allow us to determine how this affects their academic and professional development, as well as to identify any barriers and challenges in this area, including those related to gender.
The study also covered the student community of the Rzeszów University of Technology and the University of Rzeszów in the winter semester of the 2025/2026 academic year.
October – November 2025
Anti-discrimination training for first-semester students
In October and November 2025, training sessions were held for first-semester students of all fields of study, both Polish-language and foreign-language programmes.
The training sessions discussed the principles of the university’s policy on combating discrimination and violence, as well as the forms of assistance offered by the University in the event of such phenomena.
The assumptions of the Gender Equality Plan and the measures taken to implement it in the areas of education, science and organisational culture at the University were also presented.
March 2025
Gender Equality Plans in Polish Research Institutions
A report prepared by OPI PIB on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education on the implementation of Gender Equality Plans in Polish research institutions shows that the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów is one of nine non-public universities in Poland that has developed and implemented such a plan.
February 2025
The female face of science – International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on the 11th of February, we would like to highlight the interesting scientific achievements of women from the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów.
January 2025
Report on the 2024 implementation of the university’s Gender Equality Plan for 2022-2025 aimed at creating spaces of safety and equality by the Rzeszów-based School of Information Technology and Management.
December 2024
Popular-science seminar presenting the results of the Covid G.A.P. Polish perspective/ Poland’s perspective project (16.12.2024).
The project involved qualitative research related to the scientific work of male and female researchers during the pandemic crisis and the possibility of its long-term impact on scientific development in the context of gender differences. The main research issue concerns the determinants of academic productivity during the pandemic crisis, including variables such as social roles, family situation, and stage of academic career development.
Speakers: Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała PhD, Dr Olga Kurek-Ochmańska PhD, Dr Monika Struck-Peregończyk PhD.
December 2024
Inclusive language in Polish universities
Training entitled „Inclusive language in Polish universities” (3.12.2024) for UITM staff and employees, conducted by Jan Gałkowski, PhD.
The training covered the following thematic areas: inclusive language in the practice of universities in Poland, inclusive language in business dealings with students and staff at universities, specific issues (e.g. accommodating the needs of people with disabilities, LGBT+ people, neurodiverse people and others), planning for change at universities in terms of inclusive language.
November 2024
Women’s exclusion and gender inequality in the light of technology and climate change
A debate with the participation of UITM scientists entitled „Women’s exclusion and gender inequality in the light of technology and climate change” (5.11.2024), which addressed the problems of exclusion and discrimination, not only of women, but also of people with disabilities and the elderly.
The starting point for the discussion was the presentation of a book by Prof. UITM Konrad Szocik, entitled ‘Feminist Bioethics. ‘Feminist Bioethics in Space. Gender Inequality in Space Exploration’ published by Oxford University Press in 2024.
October-November 2024
Stand Up. Opposing harassment in public places
Online training courses entitled “Stand Up. Opposing harassment in public places” for male and female students of English and Polish-language paths (10 .10, 26.11, 27.11.2024).
The trainers from the Feminoteka Foundation: “(…) teach how to react when we experience harassment, but also how not to remain a helpless witness/helpless witness of such a situation and take care of our own safety and that of the person experiencing harassment. 5D is a set of simple tools: deconcertify, include others, document, come to the voice and give support after, which are available to practically every person. With this method, we emphasise that harassment is not condoned and show trainees that they have options at their fingertips to make their community safer.”
June 2024
Training on inclusive academic community
On June 14 and June 17, 2024, an online training course entitled „Inclusive academic community: an anti-discrimination workshop for gender equality in the academy” addressed to research and teaching and administrative staff, led by Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała, PhD.
The aim of the training was to raise the awareness of its participants about the problems of discrimination in academia, mainly in the context of gender equality, but also discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, age religion or health status. The workshop, while strengthening soft skills, was also a natural continuation of the training on the legal aspects of countering bullying, discrimination and violence.
May 2024
Disability – UITM Office of Sustainable Development newsletter
The topic of the May newsletter of the Office of Sustainable Development is disability. Goal No. 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is devoted to the demand that the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized groups should be taken into account in policies aimed at reducing inequality. The specific tasks included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development include promoting and strengthening the social, economic and political inclusion of all people by 2030, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, economic or other status.
May 2024
“Let’s get to know each other” anti-discrimination workshop
Philology students together with UITM lecturers Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała, PhD and Paula Wieczorek, PhD took part in anti-discrimination workshops. They were organized by the Ukrainian House in cooperation with the Podkarpackie Association for Active Families (PSAR) at the TUTU Centre.
April 2024
What do Polish women need today and why are femininities important?
Panel discussion entitled “What do Polish women need today and why are femininities important?” organised by the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów in cooperation with “Tygodnik Powszechny” as part of the series entitled “In the labyrinth of the world” (25.04.2024).
March 2024
Equality – newsletter of the UITM Office of Sustainable Development
The topic of the March newsletter of the Office of Sustainable Development is Goal #5 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
“Gender equality is not only a universal human right, it is also the foundation of a sustainable world in which people will live in peace and prosperity. Ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, health care and decent work, and to participate in political and economic decision-making will strengthen sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity as a whole. “*
*Objective5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls
February 2024
We need to believe in ourselves more
An interview on International Women in Science Day entitled ‘We need to believe in ourselves more’ with female UITM scientists on the topic of scientific work from a woman’s point of view.
Report on the 2023 implementation of the university’s Gender Equality Plan for 2022-2025 aimed at creating spaces of safety and equality by the Rzeszów-based School of Information Technology and Management.
December 2023
UITM Students know that every gender is equal
In a resounding display of commitment to equality, students at the University of Information Technology and Management recently engaged in a compelling debate titled „Every Gender is Equal.” The event, held at the IQ Student Club on December 12, 2023, was a noteworthy part of this year’s celebration of Human Rights Day. Dr. Zdzisław Rapacki, economist and former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the UN office in Geneva from 2004 – 2010 was the honorary guest.
Dr. Rapacki delivered an enlightening keynote titled „The role of international organizations in shaping standards and monitoring compliance with human rights.
In addition to Dr. Rapacki, the debate was attended by Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and Administration at UITM, and students of Management: Mieczysław Moneta, supervisor of the Intercultural Research Club „The Globe” science club, and Valeriia Krasnozhon.
An important element of the event was the summary of this year’s Amnesty International Letter Writing Marathon. The debate was also accompanied by an exhibition of posters „EVERYONE HAS EQUAL RIGHTS REGARDLESS OF GENDER”/”ALL PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTS REGARDLESS OF GENDER”, which was the originator and organizer of the Council of Scientific Clubs of UITM in cooperation with KN The Globe, the exhibition consisted of 16 works by students major in Computer Graphics.
December 2023
We invite you to the debate „Równość płci/every gender is equal”
The event will take place on December 12, 2023 at 9:30 am at the IQ Student Club of the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow. The debate will be held in English with simultaneous translation into Polish. The debate will provide insight into how students from different cultural backgrounds perceive gender equality issues, introduce the range of anti-discrimination solutions used around the world and the activities of international organizations. The event’s guest of honor will be Dr. Zdzislaw Rapacki, economist and long-time diplomat, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the UN Office at Geneva in 2004-2010.
October 2023
UITM joins the Academic Safety and Equality Network (ASBiR)
Membership in the Academic Safety and Equality Network (ASBiR) allows you to participate on an ongoing basis in events organized by affiliated universities and related to activities or plans of institutional solutions in the area of security and equality in the academic environment.
May 2023
Training on counteracting mobbing, discrimination, and violence
The training took place on May 26 and June 14, 2023, led by Andrzej Kiebała, Ph.D. During the training, the following topics were discussed: the issue of equality in employment, the types and effects of discrimination and mobbing, the employee’s rights in the event of discrimination and mobbing, the employer’s obligations in terms of preventing and combating discrimination and mobbing, as well as the liability of the employer and other persons (supervisors and other employees) for discrimination and mobbing.
November 2022
UITM Gender Equality Plan
The Gender Equality Plan aims to create a space of safety and equality conducive to the harmonious development of all members of the academic community, which consists of research and teaching staff, lecturers, administrative staff, and students.
October 2020
An Anti-Mobbing, Discrimination, and Violence Policy for employees and an Anti-Discrimination and Violence Policy for students
UITM has implemented this policy from the 2020/21 academic year. The first Rector’s Plenipotentiary for counteracting mobbing, discrimination, and violence was Konrad Szocik, Ph.D., and currently, the Plenipotentiary is Katarzyna Kurzępa-Dedo, Ph.D. Violence, mobbing, and discrimination are three phenomena that cannot be tolerated, especially in the academic environment. Each employee/student who has suffered discrimination, mobbing, or violence should report the matter to the Rector’s Plenipotentiary for counteracting mobbing, discrimination, and violence.
