Abstract:

Nowadays, the equality and equal treatment of women and men are general issues that have been addressed in many strategic documents at various levels (international, national and institutional) around the world. EU has a very clear policy in gender equality issues, which is contained in its legislation as a legal guarantee for gender equality. The paper starts with a short overview of EU policy on gender equality issues and main gender equality documents.

The current state in Bulgaria regarding gender equality is shown on the basis of national legislation documents and gender equality responsible units. The short statistics of gender equality of women and men in Bulgarian higher education (in public and private institutions) are provided as well.

Authors present а preliminary analysis of the current situation, in the direction of gender equality and more generally against any discrimination, at one typical Bulgarian public university – University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, which is the second largest university in the country. The historical, cultural, economic and organizational (structure and governance) background of the University of Plovdiv in relation to the equality is described. A special attention is given to the gender equality issues, mentioned in principal university documents and the existing organizational measures and policies, protecting students and staff from any form of discrimination.

The paper presents the first steps in the development and implementation of the Gender Equality Plan of the university in the frame of EU Horizon 2020 project – SPEAR “Supporting Plans for gender Equality in Academia and Research”. The main goals of the university team, some common positives, risks and obstacles and particular measures in gender equality work of the team are discussed. The university team plan for the project activities is presented, including activities as data collection and analysis, finding stakeholders, Gender Equality Plan development, acceptance and implementation, raising awareness and dissemination, etc.

Keywords:

Gender Equality, Bulgaria, Higher Education.