Description
This study examines the current state of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), Latvia, with a particular focus on gender equality. Conducted between March and May 2025, the research combines institutional document analysis with qualitative data from ten semi-structured interviews involving academic staff, early-career researchers, human resources personnel, and senior university leadership.The findings reveal a significant disconnect between RSU’s formal commitments to gender equality - such as its Gender Equality Action Plan - and their practical implementation. While institutional policies meet procedural standards at the national and EU level, they lack transformative ambition. Identified shortcomings include the use of binary and non-inclusive language, absence of intersectional data collection, insufficient leadership diversity targets, and weak accountability mechanisms for discrimination and harassment.
Interview data further illuminate how entrenched hierarchies, informal expectations, and work overload inhibit progress toward equity goals. Although women are numerically dominant in teaching and mid-level roles, men retain control over strategic and reputational leadership positions. Structural barriers persist in recruitment, career advancement, and caregiving support, particularly affecting early-career and international staff. Additionally, DEI-related training and feedback systems are fragmented and under-resourced.
| Period | 30 Oct 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Third Annual BASEES Baltic Study Group Workshop |
| Event type | Workshop |
| Location | Glasgow, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- gender equality