Support gender action in HORIZON 2020

Throughout the 2012 policy makers will negotiate the EC proposed framework for HORIZON 2020, leading to its approval by the EU Council and Parliament. The proposed framework makes explicit reference to the importance of the gender dimension.  It states that Horizon 2020 "....should aim at promoting equality between men and women in research and innovation, by addressing in particular the underlying causes of gender imbalance, by exploiting the full potential of both female and male researchers, and by integrating the gender dimension into the content of projects in order to improve the quality of research and stimulate innovation”. A specific gender equality article has been included as part of the proposed structure, Article 15, which states that:  “Horizon 2020 shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content”.  
At the end of last year, genSET presented the Manifesto for Integrated Action on the Gender Dimension in Science and Innovation to the Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn. This Manifesto is the result of the public consultation run in conjunction with the Gender Summit.  We invite you to sign it by going to http://bit.ly/rLS7cn as an expression of your support and to ensure that the gender dimension remains firmly integrated within HORIZON 2020 framework and programme.

International Women's Day 2012

This March 8th is International Women's Day 2012.  There are various events taking place all over the world.  At their website International Women's Day you can search for events that are being held in your area.

I liked this event in particular.  Join me on the Bridge - This is the third year that women from congo and Rwanda joined together on the bridge connecting their two countries, showing that they could build bridges of peace and hope for their countries.  This action became a worldwide movement and this International Women's Day thousands of people will show that they are with the women of Afghanistan, Iraq, Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan and other war-torn countries.

Go to their website and look for an event in your area and stand with these women to give them strength and to show we support their demands for peace and equality. Women are peace builders and with equality at the peace negotiation tables and governing bodies of their countries they will build a more peaceful world.  Stronger women are building the bridges of peace for our future. With your support we will be even stronger.

If you are interested in watching some videos about the International Women's Day celebrations you can find them on Youtube Intenational Women's Day