RECIRCULATE_ Gender Equality Plan

Gender equality is a fundamental principle within the European Union and is aligned with the UnitedNations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research and education sectors benefit from genderequality, fostering fair and democratic societies. Furthermore, a notable correlation exists between anation's innovation capacity and its gender equality index, highlighting the benefits that gender equalitybrings to research and innovation endeavours.Gender equality contributes to: Improving the quality and impact of research and innovation by ensuring it addresses the needsof society as a whole. Creating conducive work environments that facilitate high-quality research, learning and themaximization of staff potential. Attracting and retaining talent by ensuring fair and equitable recognition of individuals' abilities.The integration of gender considerations into research and organizational outputs demonstrates a clearcommitment to promoting gender equality across the organization. This commitment is reflected in theprioritisation of gender equality within research and innovation agendas, implementation of processesto include sex and gender analysis in research outcomes and the support provided to researchers indeveloping methodologies that incorporate gender perspectives.In the context of the RECIRCULATE project, sex and gender dimensions are considered in five areas:social acceptance, design and usability, diversity in the supply chain, value and supply chain impacts,and safety. These dimensions are examined both upstream (design and manufacturing) and downstream(access and usage).Challenges and opportunities for inclusive innovation are addressed by considering how sex and genderinfluence stakeholder engagement and product development. The RECIRCULATE project identifieschallenges such as social acceptance, design usability and supply chain diversity and aims to mitigatethem through norm-critical analysis and norm-creative innovation. These approaches are utilized tofoster socially sustainable societies and enhance inclusivity in research and innovation. Keyconsiderations include: Addressing underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)fields. Recognizing gender-specific implications in the battery supply chain. Ensuring the safety and inclusivity of products and processes.Gender equality plans (GEPs) are implemented by RECIRCULATE consortium partners to promoteequality within their organizations and supply chains. These plans encompass various measures,including public commitments, resource allocation, data collection, training initiatives, and key focusareas such as work-life balance, equality in leadership and integration of equality into research andteaching.In conclusion, integrating sex and gender considerations into research and innovation efforts is crucialfor ensuring fair and inclusive solutions. RECIRCULATE aims to identify and address relevant issuesthrough stakeholder engagement and the development of Gender Equality Plans, ultimatelycontributing to greater equity and inclusiveness across the industry.