Faculty of Social Studies strives for gender equality and inclusion

At Masaryk University’s Faculty of Social Studies, as well as across the entire university, there is an intensive effort to achieve gender equality and promote inclusion. As part of this initiative, the faculty has engaged in the university's gender audit, which seeks to identify and address the key issues concerning gender equality in the workplace. The audit at FSS is based on data from the personnel, international, study, and project departments.

24 Jun 2024

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In addition to this data, we utilized the results of the HR Award survey conducted among employees in 2023. The audit also included three focus groups that concentrated on the issues around reconciling work and parenthood. The discussions within these groups revealed several key topics that were very positively evaluated. These include flexible working hours, reduced work hours, and the possibility of working remotely (two days per month for non-academic staff).

Employees also frequently mentioned the importance of interchangeability in the workplace, a high level of being overworked, and the need for getting a fresh start or creative time off. They positively noted the helpfulness and individual arrangements with supervisors when addressing sudden unexpected family situations.

A surprising topic that emerged in the discussions was the issue of needing to start caregiving for loved ones, in particular parents. This issue is highly relevant for many of us, employers, and society as a whole. The question remains how we can adequately prepare for caring for our parents and what resources we will need for this purpose.

We have already collected enough proposals for the faculty; so please give us time to evaluate them. We will keep you informed about the next steps and the selection of measures in the fall.

Masaryk University is currently intensively focusing on gender equality and inclusion at the university level. The university has developed a Gender Equality Plan for the period 2022-2024, which will be updated and expanded for the years 2025-2028. In cooperation with faculties and institutes of the university, a gender audit is underway to identify and address the key issues of gender equality in the workplace.

I would like to thank all those who volunteered to share their personal experiences with balancing work and family responsibilities. Your openness, individual approaches, suggestions, and willingness to share have been very valuable to me. I also extend my thanks to all the departments and colleagues involved in this effort.

Gabriela Vybíralová


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