Promoting gender equality

NKC Workshop – Gender and Science: Intimate Relationships in Higher Education and Research Environments

On 16 September 2026, from 10.00 to 13.30, the third NKC workshop of the year – Gender and Change, Communities for Change – will take place on the topic of Intimate Relationships in the Workplace in Higher Education and Research Environments.

The aim of the workshop is:

• To deepen understanding of the topic of intimate relationships in the workplace within academic and research settings, and to analyse the various situations and challenges associated with this topic.
• To apply existing experience and knowledge of the local context when identifying appropriate measures at the level of individual institutions.
• To support and strengthen discussion of the issue of intimate relationships in the academic environment.

This year’s third Community for Change workshop will focus on the various contexts and forms of close relationships, as well as their dynamics and impacts on the working and study environments. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss specific situations and reflect on policies and measures that can contribute to a fair, safe and supportive working environment.

If you are interested in attending, you must register for the event by 28 August 2026 using this form.

9th NKC National Conference – Gender and Science: Fair Leadership for High-Quality Science

On 18 June 2026, from 10.00 to 16.00, the 9th National Conference, ‘Fair Leadership for High-Quality Science’, will take place at the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague.

This year’s national conference focuses on two interlinked themes: the position of women in leadership and decision-making roles, and gender-sensitive and inclusive leadership as a quality and approach to managing institutions. These topics are closely related but not identical. The aim of the conference is to initiate a professional discussion on the forms and benefits of gender-sensitive leadership and on the challenges posed by its implementation in the institutional environment of research and higher education. The conference will focus on practical experience, strategic approaches to organisational management, and the promotion of an equal and inclusive working environment.

The conference theme also responds to the current European and Czech contexts. Gender equality and inclusion remain a key component of the European Research Area and gender equality plans; however, the situation in the Czech Republic shows that the representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions is an area where progress remains limited.

If you are interested in attending, you must register for the event using this form.

Workshops on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Academic Settings I

The Administrative and Management Support Department of the MU Rector’s Office, in collaboration with the MU University-wide Rights Protection Unit, is organising a new series of in-person workshops entitled ‘Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Academic Settings I’.

A workshop for MU staff will take place on 8 June 2026 from 10:00 to 13:30. This is a practical, interactive workshop aimed at providing staff with information and introducing tools that form part of the preventative approach to addressing sexual harassment, bullying and violence in academic settings. The workshop serves as an introduction to the issue of sexual harassment. Together, we will explain what can be considered sexual harassment and violence, whether perpetrated by MU staff or students. We will discuss what to do if we witness problematic behaviour, how to communicate with both victims and perpetrators of such harmful behaviour, and where to turn for help. Participants will practise role-playing scenarios, learn about practical information from the Czech Republic and abroad, share their views and opinions, and leave better equipped to ensure they do not become part of the problem. You can register via the MUNI Internal Training platform.

A workshop for PhD students will take place on 11 June 2026 from 10.00 to 13.30. You can find the registration form on the MUNI Internal Training platform.

MU workshops focusing on intercultural differences

The academic environment is becoming increasingly international, which brings not only enrichment but also misunderstandings stemming from different approaches to communication, time or authority. Face-to-face workshops organised by the Office of Sustainability at the MU Rector’s Office offer an understanding of cultural differences and demonstrate how to use them as a source of inspiration and effective collaboration rather than frustration.

On 1 June 2026, a workshop on preventing intercultural conflicts will take place. The workshop will familiarise participants with typical sources of conflict and teach them to recognise their dynamics. Participants will practise conflict management models and de-escalation techniques. By working through real-life scenarios, they will gain practical tools for effective and respectful communication. The workshop will help transform cultural differences from potential obstacles into an inspiring source of cooperation. Details and the registration form can be found on the MUNI Internal Training website.

A workshop entitled ‘Intercultural Differences in the Role of a Manager’ will take place on 5 June 2026. The workshop focuses on the specifics of working in a culturally diverse environment, on the sensitive and effective leadership of international teams, and on applying intercultural understanding to everyday managerial practice. Participants will gain practical tools, share experiences and learn to adapt their leadership style whilst respecting different values and working styles. Further details and the registration form can be found on the MUNI Internal Training website.

NKC Workshop – Gender and Science: Analysis of Qualitative Data in the Context of Working with Gender Equality Plans

On 2 June 2026, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, this year’s second NKC – Gender and Change workshop, organised by Communities for Change, will take place on the topic of ‘Analysis of Qualitative Data in the Context of Working with Gender Equality Plans’.

The aim of the workshop is:

• To strengthen competencies in the field of qualitative data analysis.
• To build internal capacity in social science methods and their application to the gender equality agenda within the institution.

This year’s second Communities for Change workshop will focus on a practical introduction to qualitative data analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of evaluating data collected using various methods (interviews, focus groups, etc.). Using model examples, they will learn the individual steps of the analytical process. The programme will also include opportunities for discussion, sharing experiences and situating practical procedures within the basic theoretical framework of qualitative analysis.

If you are interested in attending, you must register for the event by 20 May 2026 using this form.

MU Workshop: Gender Stereotypes in Communication

The workshop ‘Gender Stereotypes in Communication’, organised by the Office of Sustainability at the MU Rector’s Office, will take place on 14 May 2026, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm in the Kounic Hall at the MU Rector’s Office.

This workshop responds to the need to cultivate communication practices that meet the modern standards of an open and inclusive institution. Participants will explore how unconscious biases are reflected in our language, as well as ways to communicate the gender equality agenda clearly and constructively across the university. The emphasis is on practical application, self-reflection and finding ways to engage in professional dialogue.

The workshop explores how gender stereotypes enter into these processes and how they influence perceptions of both the institution and individuals. Together, we will focus on refining our language regarding gender equality and on removing communication barriers that may arise in academic life.

Further details and the registration form can be found on the MUNI Internal Training website.

The European Commission presents its new Strategy for Gender Equality for the period 2026–2030

The European Commission has approved the Strategy for Gender Equality 2026–2030 for a more equal, cohesive and successful Europe. The strategy integrates gender equality into all aspects of life, both online and offline, ranging from education and health to work and public life, whilst addressing modern threats such as cyber violence and risks associated with artificial intelligence that affect women in particular.

Despite the progress made, estimates from the European Institute for Gender Equality suggest that, at the current rate of change, it would take 50 years to achieve full gender equality in the EU. Disparities between Member States still persist. The new strategy translates the objectives of the Women’s Rights Plan – presented by the Commission and endorsed by all Member States in 2025 – into concrete measures to empower women and girls, engage men and boys, firmly rejecting any rollback of fundamental rights, and accelerating progress towards a truly gender-equal Europe.

This strategy, which was unveiled ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, builds on key legislation adopted under the Strategy for Gender Equality 2020–2025, including, amongst other things, rules to combat violence against women, pay transparency and improving gender balance on company management and supervisory boards, as well as the implementation of rules on work-life balance designed to promote the equal sharing of care responsibilities.

Active Bystander Intervention Workshop

On 5 May 2026, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, the workshop ‘On-site Training: Active Bystander Intervention’ will take place at Central European University in Vienna as part of the GenderSAFE project.

How we react when we witness harmful behaviour matters. Active bystander intervention is a key preventive strategy for addressing gender-based violence in higher education and research settings.

This face-to-face workshop will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to recognise gender-based violence and to intervene safely and effectively. Drawing on evidence-based approaches and interactive methods, the workshop supports participants in understanding their role as bystanders and in taking responsible action in both academic and professional settings.

The workshop combines short presentations with group discussions, role-play scenarios and role-playing exercises, enabling participants to practise specific intervention strategies in a supportive and safe learning environment.

If you are interested in taking part, you must register for the event using this form.