Sustainable Development Goals 5 : Gender Equality
From the beginning, INSA Lyon has been committed to promoting diversity and accessibility in engineering studies for all. Gender equality plays a central role in this mission, highlighted by the 2016 award of "Most Committed Engineering School" from the Conference of Directors of Engineering Schools and Programs.
This topic is approached from multiple perspectives at INSA, thanks to the expertise of the Gaston Berger Institute and the involvement of dedicated contributors within the institution. It represents a key pillar of the "Ambitions 2030" strategic plan, particularly within the social transition project.
In 2023, INSA established a comprehensive gender equality framework that spans all of its missions. Jointly led by the Gaston Berger Institute and the Human Resources Department, this framework applies to the entire INSA community, including staff and students. The school stands out in higher education for its appeal to women, who make up nearly 47% of first-year students, compared to a 28% average in French grandes écoles. This achievement is due to numerous recruitment efforts aimed at broadening access to engineering studies for diverse groups.
Since 2017, the Gender Equality Chair, part of the "social dimension" of the Gaston Berger Institute, has worked to mobilize and share knowledge related to gender studies on campus. It uses social sciences to enhance understanding of the factors shaping students' educational and professional projects in education, guidance, and employment.
As a member of the Conference of Grandes Écoles (CGE), INSA Lyon contributed to the 8th edition of the "Gender Equality Barometer". This initiative provides gender-based data on French grandes écoles, which, despite their differences in specializations, governance, and size, form a key group in higher education and research.
For several years, the CGE has been active in preventing and combatting gender stereotypes and gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV). It raises awareness among member schools and young women on their potential to enter grandes écoles, break down stereotypes, and overcome self-censorship. To support these efforts, the CGE’s Gender Equality Working Group serves as a forum for sharing best practices and expertise among member schools.
The fight against gender-based and sexual violence has become a major focus. Since 2021, the institution has had a support unit for discrimination and gender-based and sexual violence, providing a safe space to listen, advise, assist, and ensure that reports are addressed. This support structure is paired with a prevention plan targeting the entire community (students, doctoral students, administrative staff, and faculty) across various contexts (academic, research, social, extracurricular, sports, etc.).
The institution also organizes forum theater sessions, mandatory training for students involved in integration or leading associations, and information points during welcome meetings and on-campus stands throughout the year.
In September 2024, INSA Lyon launched its media platform, Point de Bascule, designed as a minimalist tool offering content that encourages reflection and deeper understanding of societal issues. In response to socio-ecological challenges questioning our lifestyles, citizens, engineers, and researchers feel the need to open debates, understand these issues, and stimulate reflection. This platform invites a shift in perspective and envisions new possibilities.
News and events related to Sustainable Development Goal 5 "Gender Equality"
Conférence « L’ingénierie pour toutes » - 03/02/2024
Recherche : Actions pour valoriser la parité dans les carrières scientifiques - 19/03/2024
Orientation scolaire : l’ingénierie pour toutes - 23/01/2024
Sexisme et droits des femmes : se sensibiliser en jouant - 09/03/2023
Activités à l’occasion de la journée internationales des droits des femmes - 28/02/2023
Mixité de genre dans les formations d’ingénieur·es : un acquis à l’INSA Lyon ? - 11/03/2022
Conférence débat sur la mixité femme-homme - 11/03/2022
Le Grand Tour - Forum Génération Egalité - 22/04/2021
Press release
Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes - 22/04/2021
Les femmes de sciences donnent leurs noms aux bâtiments du campus de l’INSA Lyon - 08/03/2019
Podcast
On the web
L’INSA Lyon s’engage pour l’égalité femmes-hommes en signant une tribune dans les colonnes du Monde - 06/03/2021.
L’association étudiante de l’INSA Lyon, Les Sang-Culottes sont lauréates des Trophées de l’égalité - 28/12/2020.