Gender Equality Plan

1. Introduction

Latvian Citizens is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its activities, governance structures, and projects. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) establishes the organisation's commitments and measures to ensure equal opportunities regardless of gender and to promote a fair and inclusive organisational culture.

The GEP complies with the requirements established under European Commission policies for participation in Horizon Europe programmes.

2. Public Document

This Gender Equality Plan:

• is formally adopted by the management board of Latvian Citizens
• is published on the organisation's website
• applies to staff, volunteers, collaborators, and project partners.

The organisation commits to reviewing and updating the plan every three years.

3. Dedicated Resources

Latvian Citizens commits organisational resources to implement this plan.

Responsible persons

• Gender Equality Officer: appointed from the NGO management or project team
• Gender Equality Focal Point: member responsible for monitoring implementation in projects

Resources allocated

• staff time allocated for equality monitoring
• inclusion of gender equality tasks in project management
• possibility to involve external gender experts when needed
• integration of gender equality measures in project budgets when possible.

A short annual internal meeting will review progress.

4. Data Collection and Monitoring

The organisation will collect and monitor gender-disaggregated data relating to:

• staff and management composition
• project teams and external experts
• participation in events and training activities.

Monitoring indicators

Examples of indicators include:

• percentage of women and men in leadership roles
• gender balance in project teams
• participation of women and men in organisational activities.

An annual internal review will assess progress and identify improvement measures.

5. Training and Awareness

Latvian Citizens will promote awareness of gender equality and unconscious bias through:

• internal briefings for staff and volunteers
• inclusion of gender equality discussions in team meetings
• participation in external gender equality or diversity trainings
• dissemination of resources on gender equality and inclusion.

When possible, specific training sessions will be organised for:

• staff and volunteers
• project managers and decision-makers.

6. Key Thematic Areas and Measures

6.1 Work-Life Balance and Organisational Culture

Measures include:

• flexible working arrangements where possible
• respect for family responsibilities
• inclusive communication practices
• promotion of respectful behaviour and equal participation.

6.2 Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making

Latvian Citizens aims to ensure balanced representation of genders in decision-making bodies. Measures:

• transparent selection of leadership roles
• encouragement of women and under-represented genders to take leadership positions
• monitoring gender representation in boards and project leadership.

6.3 Gender Equality in Recruitment and Career Progression

The organisation commits to fair recruitment practices. Measures:

• gender-neutral language in job announcements
• transparent selection procedures
• evaluation based on competencies and experience
• equal opportunities for professional development.

6.4 Integration of the Gender Dimension in Activities

Where relevant, Latvian Citizens will integrate gender perspectives into:

• research or policy activities
• training programmes
• community engagement initiatives
• project design and evaluation.

Project teams will consider gender impacts when planning activities.

6.5 Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Harassment

Latvian Citizens has zero tolerance for gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination. Measures include:

• respectful workplace guidelines
• confidential reporting mechanisms
• investigation of complaints
• appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary.

7. Implementation and Review

This Gender Equality Plan will be:

• implemented by the management and staff of Latvian Citizens
• monitored annually
• reviewed and updated every three years.

8. Approval

Approved by the management of Latvian Citizens NGO.