It reviewed developments over the past three years and made recommendations for a gender equality plan to 2028. The analysis covered eight key areas ranging from organisational culture to gender representation in leadership.
The first gender equality audit was conducted at the MU Faculty of Arts in 2021. Based on the findings of the audit of its faculties and units, Masaryk University then created the MU Gender Equality Plan for 2022-2024. A number of measures have been implemented to promote gender equality at the university and faculty level, which you have been continuously informed about. Examples include the opening of a children's group and the introduction of a nursery fee allowance, the creation of a methodology for dealing with cases of sexual harassment, the implementation of a questionnaire on obstacles to academic careers and the implementation of training events for managers and many others.
Currently, an update of the MU Gender Equality Plan for 2025-2028 is being prepared for release. This time, too, the university-wide plan is based on the results and recommendations of audits from its faculties and units. Thus, three years after the first audit, the second faculty gender equality audit was conducted. This time, we had the additional opportunity to compare the situation from three years ago to now. Using the same methodology, we again examined the situation and made recommendations in eight areas:
The audit included a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the state of equal opportunities and working conditions at the FF MU. An analysis of internal regulations, documents and processes was carried out, as well as a content analysis of promotional materials, re-analysis of the results of the questionnaire survey "Academic career and representation of women in decision-making positions at FF MU 2022" and "Questionnaire survey on the implementation of HRS4R FF MU 2023". The available statistical data on the number of men and women at different levels of study, in different positions and functions, in the field of remuneration, career advancement, flexible working, etc. were collected and evaluated.
Important inputs for the audit were obtained, among other things, from group and individual interviews not only with male and female employees but also with students of our faculty. Many thanks to all those who participated in the interviews!
We have summarized the results in a final report and forwarded it to the University Rector's Office as a basis for the new Gender Equality Plan 2025-2028. The report also contains draft recommendations, the possible implementation of which will be assessed against the recommendations of other faculties and units of the University. Employees can view the final report for the MU Faculty of Arts here (in Czech only).
It turns out that the higher the gender equality in research institutions, the more often excellent results and innovation occur. Therefore, Masaryk University is preparing the publication of the University Gender Equality Plan.
The questionnaire survey followed up on the gender audit from last year and, together with its results, will serve as a basis for the emerging MU Faculty of Arts Gender Equality Plan.
