Universities towards Diversity: UniDiversity

Programme(s): Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme-REC Programme 2014-2020

Topic(s): REC-RDIS-DISC-AG-2020

Type of action: REC Action Grant

Project ID: 963181

Objective

UniDiversity is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at making the academic environment more inclusive towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender & Intersex (LGBTI+) individuals by targeting discriminatory incidents based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender characteristics (SOGISC) and by training the whole academic community (permanent staff, researchers, students and other staff) in the use of inclusive language and behaviour as well as in conflict resolution, in order to identify, combat and ultimately prevent SOGISC based discrimination in Greece, Lithuania and Italy. The work is structured around 4 WPs, where WP1 is dedicated to project management & coordination. WP2 is the cornerstone of the project as it involves all ground work via research. WP3 will give flesh into the work of WP2 through: a) the set-up of a Discrimination Reporting Network (DRN) in each university; b) the implementation of the training curriculum in the academic community and c) advocacy events at national and EU levels. WP4 is dedicated to dissemination via: a) General dissemination activities; b) Public awareness social media campaign; c) Scientific publications. Main expected results: - Increased evidence base about the current situation of discrimination based on SOGISC in the academic environment in the 3 countries and thus ability to inform and influence policy (at least 750 individuals surveyed) - Improved capacity to prevent, combat and ultimately prevent discrimination based on SOGISC in the academic community, through increased knowledge and understanding of inclusive practices (900 people sensitised). - Increased availability of DRNs for the registering and monitoring of discriminatory events in partner countries and possibility of extension of those networks to other EU countries. - Increased awareness about LGBTI+ equality and the human rights violations, discrimination and mistreatment that LGBTI+ people face (approx. 10000 people reached).