When I came to JRC Karlsruhe a some years ago, it became quickly clear to me that the Karlsruhe site had a majority of male colleagues, by far. Being a woman, I felt at times daunted how few women we indeed were.

In the meantime, things have changed at JRC Karlsruhe: we already have the second female site director and more and more women in head of unit (HoU) and DHoU positions[1].

Nevertheless, there is still a lot to do, as we are not there yet. There are still colleagues (male and female!) who have difficulties dealing with talented women, and some seem still quite confused about how to behave, sometimes making improper comments. Each of us can change this in small steps in our own environment. We need it to be normal that women take charge, the same as when men do, it should not be an exception! Let’s make our work place a more inclusive one – for all of us.

Women’s Day is also a day of solidarity. Women’s Networks could help to break through the glass ceiling and help all of us to listen to women, and of course to get used to women as colleagues and as managers at all levels.

The 8th of March is a good opportunity to ask where we stand in terms of solidarity among women[2].

Let us know what your experience is with respect to gender balance and female network in your DGs. We are looking forward to your feedback.

We’re here for you!

If you appreciate our work, please consider becoming a member of Generation 2004.

[1] Generation 2004 is convinced that gender equality should be a reality across all grades and contract types across the institutions.

[2] Let’s also stay aware of existing gender biases and do what we can to address the behaviours that lead to overlooking women’s achievements (Correct the internet: see the video) and to making certain domains hostile (see How AI can perpetuate – Or help mitigate – Gender bias in leadership, Gender bias in artificial intelligence and Gender rights online).