Encouraging Women in Science  

ICTP has taken an important step to address gender balance and work-life issues at the Centre by releasing a Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP).

The GEAP formally acknowledges gender equality and intersectionality as key objectives and fundamental values of ICTP as a UNESCO research and educational institution, in line with its overall Strategic Plan. Produced by a working group of ICTP administrative staff and scientists, the plan defines the Centre's strategy to detect gender bias, and introduces actions to correct it and reduce gender asymmetries. It identifies the Centre’s objectives and progress-monitoring processes by means of performance indicators. 

The document has a four-year time frame (2024-2027) and is in line with ICTP's Strategic Plan, which acknowledges action for gender equality as one of the Centre’s key strategic pillars.   

"ICTP recognises the importance of an inclusive workforce in science; indeed, enabling diversity is at the core of ICTP’s mission," said ICTP Director Atish Dabholkar, adding, "If we want to achieve gender balance realistically, we have to recognise that multiple challenges have to be addressed along the way at different levels, with a long-term perspective. ICTP is strongly committed to this important objective."

ICTP has already initiated activities to address gender balance in physics. For the past decade It has hosted a bi-annual Career Development Workshop for Women in Physics, the latest of which took place in November 2023. In addition, the Centre organises activities every year for the UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February.

More details about ICTP's gender equality activities can be found on the dedicated web page.

ICTP's Gender Equality Action Plan can be downloaded at the link below.