At the Europeana Foundation, we wholeheartedly embrace our mission to empower the cultural heritage sector in its digital transformation. Central to this mission is our commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality. As part of this commitment, we are dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of gender equality in all aspects of our work.
We strive for a digital heritage world that is purposefully inclusive of the diversity of our societies, convinced that a diverse and inclusive environment fosters creativity, innovation and the full realisation of human potential. We are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities, rights and recognition for individuals of all gender identities.
We recognise that achieving gender equality requires concerted efforts and dedicated resources. To this end, we are determined to take concrete measures and set clear targets in various areas, supported by the allocation of human resources and diversity and inclusion expertise provided by the Europeana Foundation Diversity and Inclusion cross-team.
Resource allocation: We dedicate resources, including human resources and diversity and inclusion expertise, to implement and monitor our gender equality efforts effectively, and to ensure they are integrated into all aspects of the Europeana Foundation’s activities.
Data-driven approach and progress assessment: We are committed to tracking our progress in promoting gender equality within the Europeana Foundation. To achieve this, we are establishing mechanisms for gathering data and assessing our efforts regularly. This data-driven approach will help us identify areas that require attention and measure our progress toward gender equality. Our commitment to data-driven decision-making reinforces our dedication to creating a more inclusive and equal organisation for all.
Education and training: We are firmly committed to promoting awareness of diversity and inclusion, and unconscious gender biases among our staff and management. These awareness-raising efforts are integral to our goal to create a more informed and inclusive workplace culture.
Equal opportunities: We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, in recruitment, training, career advancement and decision-making processes. We are dedicated to creating pathways for qualified individuals of all genders to assume leadership and decision-making roles.
Diverse representation: We are committed to achieving and maintaining diverse gender representation at all levels of our organisation, including management, to reflect the richness of perspectives, talents and backgrounds of our staff.
Equal pay: We enforce pay equality within our organisation, ensuring that individuals in equivalent roles receive equal compensation, regardless of gender.
Work-life balance and organisational culture: We are committed to creating a work environment that supports work-life balance and nurtures a culture of inclusivity and respect. Our initiatives include flexible work arrangements and support for employees with family and caregiving responsibilities.
Non-Discrimination: Discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender identity, or gender expression are not tolerated within our organisation. We are dedicated to creating a safe and respectful workplace for everyone. We have established clear policies, reporting mechanisms and support systems to address and prevent such unlawful incidents within our organisation.
We hold ourselves accountable to these commitments and regularly assess our progress towards achieving gender equality within the Europeana Foundation. As of 2023, our annual reporting on gender equality indicators provides transparency and ensures that we remain committed to our goals. We welcome feedback from our employees, our Works Council, stakeholders and the communities we serve to continuously improve our efforts in this regard.
By implementing these measures, we aim to contribute to a more equal, diverse and inclusive society while fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their gender, can thrive and develop their full potential.
The Hague, on 20 September 2023,
Harry Verwayen
General Director, The Europeana Foundation