EQUATION - EQUalIty through AccreditaTION

The main objective of EQUATION was to foster structural and sustainable change in higher education by embedding gender equality into institutional practices and external quality assurance systems....

The main objective of EQUATION was to foster structural and sustainable change in higher education by embedding gender equality into institutional practices and external quality assurance systems. Specifically, the project aimed to: (1) assess gender equality challenges in HEIs and accreditation bodies; (2) develop institutional Gender Equality Implementation Plans (GEPs) aligned with SDG5 and EU policies; (3) design gender-sensitive accreditation criteria; and (4) strengthen leadership capacity through training. EQUATION sought to improve gender equity in academic leadership and create practical, evidence-based tools for institutions and accrediting bodies. Additionally, it aimed to build a transnational community of practice that would promote peer learning and ensure the scalability of results beyond the consortium.

EQUATION was implemented through four interlinked work packages. WP1 focused on project coordination, risk management, and internal quality assurance, with bi-weekly meetings, financial oversight, and CMEPIUS evaluations. WP2 delivered the flagship “Report on Gender Equality in Business Schools and Accreditation,” based on 480+ surveys and 40+ interviews. WP3 led to the co-creation of tailored Gender Equality Implementation Plans for each partner institution. WP4 produced “Guidelines for Accreditation Institutions to Assess Gender Equality,” accompanied by two LTT trainings for 22 senior leaders and evaluators over the period of the project. Dissemination occurred through a dedicated website, LinkedIn, newsletters, and major events, including CEEMAN’s Annual Conference with 120 participants from 31 countries and a final conference in Bled with 65 participants from 26 countries. Activities were fully aligned with Erasmus+ priorities on inclusion, equity, digitalisation, and environmental sustainability.

EQUATION generated three core outputs: (1) a research-based report on gender equality in HEIs and accreditation; (2) institutional Gender Equality Implementation Plans (GEPs); and (3) practical Guidelines for Accreditation Bodies to integrate gender criteria. These outputs were supported by pilot testing, peer review, and two LTT sessions training 22 decision-makers. Concrete achievements included enhanced institutional commitment, revision of HR policies, adoption of gender-sensitive language, and strengthened monitoring frameworks. The Guidelines were disseminated to INQAAHE, NAKVIS, ENQA, AACSB, EFMD, AMBA, AABS, and others. Notably, AABS formed a task force to adapt the EQUATION framework. The project’s website (https://be-equal.eu) and digital platforms ensured ongoing visibility. EQUATION exceeded expectations by influencing both national and international policy dialogues and embedding its framework into CEEMAN’s evolving accreditation standards within IQA - International Quality Accreditation.