The second online session of the SEE-ERA Training for Change programme took place on 14 July 2026, bringing together 39 participants for an interactive training session on preventing and addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) in academia through Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).
Organised by SEE-ERA in collaboration with the GenderSAFE project, the training introduced participants to key concepts of gender-based violence in academia and explored practical approaches to integrating prevention and response measures into institutional Gender Equality Plans.
The joint training also strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two sister projects, bringing together participants committed to advancing gender equality and fostering safer research and higher education environments across Europe.
Objectives of the training
✅ Gain a common understanding of key concepts related to gender-based violence and its impact in academia.
✅ Strengthen participants’ capacity to integrate gender-based violence prevention and response measures into the design and implementation of Gender Equality Plans.
✅ Explore inspiring institutional practices and policies adopted by European higher education institutions and research organisations to address gender-based violence.
Audience
The training brought together 39 participants from across South-East Europe and beyond, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
◊ Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officers and practitioners
◊ Gender Equality Plan team members
◊ Representatives of Research Performing Organisations and Higher Education Institutions
◊ Researchers
◊ Administrative staff involved in Gender Equality Plan implementation
◊ Human Resources personnel
Benefits of participation
The session combined conceptual knowledge with practical examples, encouraging participants to reflect on institutional responsibilities and exchange experiences for integrating gender-based violence prevention into Gender Equality Plans.
Key takeaways included
✅Understanding gender-based violence as a continuum that requires coordinated institutional responses rather than isolated interventions, and recognising its integration within Gender Equality Plans as a key step towards safer academic environments.
✅ Exploring the UniSAFE 7P Model as a practical framework for embedding prevention, protection, reporting, accountability and institutional change into Gender Equality Plans.
✅ Discovering practical tools and inspiring institutional practices that support universities and research organisations in strengthening policies, procedures and support mechanisms to prevent and address gender-based violence.