EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030: Focus on Women’s Participation in Science
The European Commission (EC) has presented a new Gender Equality Strategy for 2026–2030, aimed at building a fairer, more cohesive, and more prosperous Europe. The strategy integrates gender equality principles across all areas of life—from education and health to the labour market and civic participation. Particular attention is given to contemporary challenges such as cyber violence and the risks posed by artificial intelligence, which can disproportionately affect women due to biased data or algorithmic decisions developed without sufficient gender perspective.
Despite clear progress, the European Institute for Gender Equality estimates that, at the current pace, achieving full gender equality in the European Union could take around 50 years. The new strategy therefore seeks to strengthen EU action in key areas, address emerging challenges, and intensify the implementation of existing legislation and policies.
One of the strategy’s key priorities is promoting women’s advancement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). To reduce gender imbalances in education and research, targeted measures are planned in these strategic fields where women remain underrepresented. The strategy emphasizes that interest in STEM must be fostered from an early age.
In 2026, the European Commission plans to introduce a comprehensive package of educational measures aimed at strengthening core skills in mathematics, science, and digital competencies. In parallel, the “Girls Go STEM” initiative, implemented by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, aims to attract one million girls to STEM fields by 2028. The European STEAM Executive Group will provide recommendations on strategic actions and the scaling of successful practices.
The European Commission will also enhance support for teachers and schools in order to reduce the impact of gender stereotypes in education. The development and dissemination of appropriate teaching materials will be encouraged through initiatives such as the European School Education Platform and Erasmus+ projects.
In addition, further initiatives are envisaged to improve access to higher education and ensure successful graduation for individuals from diverse social backgrounds. Efforts will also focus on reducing barriers faced by women in science and innovation, including limited access to funding and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
The strategy also foresees closer cooperation with banks and other financial institutions to improve women’s access to funding for the development of innovative ideas.
The new Gender Equality Strategy highlights strengthening women’s role in science as one of Europe’s key future priorities. It represents an important step not only towards social justice but also towards sustainable and innovative economic development.
The Research Council of Lithuania contributes to the objectives of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 through the implementation of its Gender Equality Plan for 2026–2029. This plan aims to systematically strengthen the application of equal opportunities principles within the organisation’s activities. It includes measures to foster a gender equality–friendly internal culture, ensure transparency in research project funding, and provide equal career opportunities.