Romania needs more than 100 years to eliminate inequalities between women and men[1] and has even regressed in this area. Gender gaps are particularly prevalent in women's political participation and access to economic opportunities.
In this context, there is a pressing need for trained professionals that can work on gender mainstreaming in public institutions and private companies. Even the recommendations of the European Union emphasize the need for gender mainstreaming in all public policies, which requires specialized expertise in the field.
However, the institutionalization and professionalization of gender equality expertise in Romania is unclear and is rather fragmented. The most glaring aspect is the absence of standards for gender experts in Romania’s classification of occupations. The occupational standard of equal opportunities expert , the closest to the topic, is formulated too broadly, focused on cases of violence and it is inadequate in terms of the complexity and specificity of gender equality expertise.
In order to respond to the need of providing gender expertise that generates significant changes in combating inequalities, the EGALIS project team is currently researching on the existing situation regarding the formation and recognition of gender expertise, and will initiate an integrated approach in order to facilitate a substantial professionalisation of expertise in this field.
As a first step, we collected information from relevant private and public entities that are involved in training equal opportunities experts, equal opportunities technicians or other qualifications, and from academic institutions that offer master studies in the field. To these, we will add examples of international good practices and the existing legislative framework, in order to elaborate a comprehensive analysis report regarding the recognition of gender expertise in Romania.
In a second stage, we will initiate a process to obtain the formal recognition of gender expertise. A working group will be organized to review occupational standards that recognize the expertise in gender equality acquired also through gender studies and work experience.
Following these efforts and in a consultative manner, we will make a consolidated policy proposal for an integrated professionalization of expertise in gender equality.
[1] International Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report, 2021
The activity is part of the project "EGALIS: Gender equality through social change and education", developed by the Partnership for Equality Center, in partnership with the Front Association, AnA - the Scientific Society for Feminist Analysis, ACTEDO - the Action Center for Equality and Rights Association, PLURAL Association and SEX vs The STORK Association, with financial support from Active Citizens Fund Romania, programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants Grants 2014 -2021.
Working together for an inclusive Europe!
