The Commission for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination (CIGND) assumes as challenges having its own initiatives and/or supporting others, in order to comply with the institution’s Plan for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination (PIGND), published on 09.02.2023, so that it can be an example of good practices in the field of gender equality.
It is responsible, among other duties and competences, for issuing opinions, preparing recommendations and other documents, monitoring the actions provided for in the PIGND, so that legislation on gender equality is complied with.
Therefore:
Considering the requirements listed in the Guide for the Elaboration of (annual) Equality Plans, which complies with Legislative Order 18/2019, of June 21, under the terms of paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 7, of Law 62/2017, of August 1, and in strategic convergence with the national and international debate on gender equality and diversity in Higher Education and the European Research Area, and in accordance with the guidelines of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Treaty on European Union, the European Pact for Gender Equality, and also the provisions of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic (article 13) and the Labour Code (articles 23 to 65);
Considering the importance of gender equality as a fundamental human right for the development of society and the full participation of men and women as individuals in society and of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra in affirming its full alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, namely Goal 5 – Gender Equality, with the National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2018-2030, coordinated by the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG), with the Gender Equality Project in Higher Education Institutions, within the scope of the Program “Conciliation and Gender Equality. EEA Grants 2014-2021”, of which CIG is the national operator, and with the commitment to gender equality in research under the “Horizon Europe, 2021-27” program, whose national participation is made through the PERIN Network – “Portugal in Europe Research and Innovation Network”, which includes the main funding and promoting agencies, namely the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the National Innovation Agency (ANI), the Agency for Clinical Innovation and Biomedical Research (AICIB), PT Space, the ERASMUS Agency and the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES), in conjunction with academic and research institutions;
Considering the IPC Charter of Principles for Gender Equality of 31 January 2022, in which it commits to:
1. Promote an inclusive culture based on respect for dignity, equality, and non-discrimination;
2. Ensure gender-balanced representation in institutional management and decision-making;
3. Achieve gender balance and equity in institutional scoreboards;
4. Strengthen a gender-sensitive perspective in the IPC strategy;
5. Promote processes and conditions ensuring equal opportunities for access and effective enjoyment of rights in different areas, namely research, teaching, and human resource management;
6. Promote measures to allow workers’ personal, professional, and family life balance;
7. Integrate gender dimensions in research and curriculum areas;
8. Integrate gender equality and diversity issues in the institution’s training plans;
9. Promote the fight against harassment, discrimination, or intimidation;
10. Ensure the implementation of the IPC Gender Equality Plan;
The Commission for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination (CIGND) of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra was created by Order SC/207/2023, dated July 5, 2023, with a view to making the aforementioned values feasible, observed and promoted.
- Plan for Gender Equality and Non-discrimination
- Charter of Principles for Gender Equality of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
- Law no. 38/2018, 7th august - Right to self-determination of gender identity and to protection of the sexual characteristics of each person
- Recommendation to higher education institutions within the Law no. 38/2018, 7th august
More information on concepts and relevant documents relating to gender equality and non-discrimination can be found on the website of the Gender Equality Commission (CIG): https://www.cig.gov.pt/