This document outlines the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) adopted by the Institute for Sustainable Empowerment and Justice (ISEJ) Board of Trustees on April 3, 2026. It applies ISEJ’s external advocacy principles—gender equity, safety, and fairness—internally across its own governance, operations, and research practices.
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Key Takeaways:
- Purpose & Scope: Covers the period from January 2026 to December 2028 (with a mid-term review in June 2027). It is tailored to a lean, small team and meets Horizon Europe eligibility criteria for publication, dedicated resources, data collection, and training.
- Governance & Dedicated Resources:
- Oversight: Managed by a designated Gender Equality Focal Point (allocated at least 5% of working time), with overall accountability lying with the Team Lead and Board of Trustees.
- Budget & Expertise: Supported by a dedicated annual budget line for GEP implementation and leveraging internal expertise in gender law and policy.
- Core Action Areas & Targets:
- Work–Life Balance: Default flexible/remote work policies, scheduling meetings between 09:00 and 16:00 to accommodate care duties, and non-penalization of caregiving constraints.
- Leadership Balance: A strict requirement to maintain at least 40% female representation on the Board of Trustees and core leadership, with an aim toward parity.
- Recruitment & Pay Equity: Gender-neutral job postings, pre-agreed evaluation criteria, mandatory unconscious bias briefings for panels, and a goal of zero unexplained gender pay gaps by end of 2027.
- Research Integration: Mandatory integration of a gender analysis framework and sex/gender-disaggregated data in 100% of ISEJ research projects from 2026 onward.
- Zero Tolerance for GBV & Harassment: A standalone Safeguarding and Anti-Harassment Policy with confidential reporting channels, survivor-centered procedures, and independent third-party handlers for complaints involving leadership.
- Accountability & Training: Mandates annual gender training for all staff and board members, alongside annual data monitoring reported directly to the Board.
About the Publisher:
The Institute for Sustainable Empowerment and Justice (ISEJ) is a Zimbabwean non-profit working at the intersection of law, gender equality, public health, climate justice, and narrative change.