At the meeting of the Gender Equality Board (GIAB), held on January 28, 2025, key university activities in the field of gender equality were discussed, with a special focus on the final phases of the UNIGEM project and the planning of future initiatives. The importance of ensuring the sustainability of achieved results and continuing strategic action in this field was highlighted.
The UNIGEM project, which concludes in March 2025, has achieved significant results through research and publications, positioning the university as a leader in promoting gender equality. The final activities include workshops such as storytelling sessions featuring student testimonies and the promotion of publications that contribute to understanding gender policies and challenges. The efforts of university members in implementing measures that foster inclusivity and gender sensitivity were particularly praised.
GIAB members expressed strong commitment to continuing work on gender equality through the institutional Gender Action Plan (GAP). As part of this plan, the organization of larger-scale events, to be held annually with the support of university leadership, was proposed. These events would aim to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and strengthen institutional accountability on this issue.
Additionally, the necessity of maintaining the Gender Equality Board's role was emphasized, including initiatives for monitoring the quality of teaching materials to eliminate misogynistic content and strengthen gender-sensitive education. A proposal will be directed to the University Administration, which has so far shown readiness to support such initiatives, to ensure their sustainability this time.
The Board Coordinator also informed members about the university's planned participation in the regional conference "Gender and Peace in the Balkans: Charting the Path Forward," to be held in late February. This event will further strengthen collaboration with regional institutions and provide an opportunity for the exchange of experiences and best practices.
It was concluded that the university must remain committed to promoting gender equality as a strategic orientation, while the Gender Equality Board (GIAB) will continue to play a key role in achieving these goals, reaffirming the vision of International Burch University as an inclusive and progressive educational institution.