Towards Gender Equality in Hungarian Universities

BME as a Case Study

Abstract

Women's participation in higher positions in education, particularly in higher education, is a critical issue. Governments are working toward improving gender equality in education, as well as other aspects of the issue such as economics, social issues, and work. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence gender equality at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. To accomplish the aim, two research questions were set up: How do the employees perceive gender equality at BME, and what factors have an impact on gender equality? Plus, what does the BME Gender Equality Plan reveal about workplace equality and policies, and how is the university working towards achieving gender equality?
The study relied on qualitative methods, such as interviews and data analysis of the gender equality plan 2022-2025 and its intervention areas. The study explored the university background and experiences toward achieving gender equality, and the challenges encountered. The interviews revealed some of the challenges that the participants have faced regarding equal pay, promotion, and research opportunities. The evidence indicates that there is an underrepresentation of women in managerial and teaching positions, while there is an overrepresentation in administration positions. This can be attributed to the lack of formal policies that aim to promote gender equality, culture, and the lack of appropriate communication channels. However, based on the Gender Equality Plan 2022-2025, the university aims towards achieving gender equality within all faculties.