Advancing intersectional equality in research and innovation
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, EU-funded sister projects INSPIRE, GenderSAFE, INCLUDE, SEE-ERA, and STREAM IT working to advance gender equality in research and innovation come together to highlight a shared message:
Inequality is not random. It is structural and intersectional.
Across Europe’s research and innovation ecosystems, inequalities do not operate in isolation. When gender intersects with migration status, disability, ethnicity, contract type or employment status, care responsibilities, sexual orientation and gender identity, vulnerability increases exponentially. These patterns do not occur by accident; they reflect unjust systemic issues and structures of power.
Evidence from European research consistently shows that minoritized groups face higher risks of economic insecurity, exclusion, and gender-based violence. Structural barriers influence who progresses in academic careers, whose research is funded, whose voices are cited, and who feels safe to report misconduct.
What’s more, we are now witnessing attacks on women’s rights and safety across the world – yet another example of gendered vulnerability that is shaped by intersecting and structural inequalities.
Therefore, recognising intersectionality is not merely a symbolic gesture, but an evidence-based approach to designing effective institutional policies and creating better futures for the next generation of girls around the globe.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to:
- Strengthening inclusive and intersectional Gender Equality Plans
- Promoting transparent and fair career progression systems
- Implementing robust policies to combat gender-based violence
- Ensuring safe reporting mechanisms and accountability structures
Research excellence requires inclusive institutions. Structural problems require structural solutions.
By collaborating across projects and countries, we aim to advance sustainable change in research and innovation systems across Europe. Because equity strengthens science, and inclusion drives excellence.
