Gender Equality Plan ZEDO e.V.

ZEDO e.V. regards equal opportunity as an integral part of its organizational culture. We are convinced that diversity strengthens teams' ability to develop innovative solutions for scientific and technical challenges. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is our binding roadmap to anchor equality structurally, prevent discrimination, and foster an inclusive working environment. The board and the members fully support these goals. This plan was adopted by the board on 27 April 2026.

1. Recruitment and Career

We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/worldview, disability, age, as well as sexual orientation and identity. We actively promote the professional equality of women, men, and persons of other genders.

Checklist for the staff selection process:

• Are the selection criteria (expected skills, experience) put down in writing before applications are reviewed?
• Do job postings actively highlight the option of part-time work or job sharing?
• Is the selection committee, where possible, gender-balanced?
• Have gender-neutral formulations been used in the job posting?

2. Work-Life Balance

Concrete measures:

• Flextime model: ZEDO e.V. employees can arrange their working hours independently within a window from 07:00 to 20:00, provided no operational concerns conflict with this.
• Meeting code: Internal meetings are scheduled wherever possible within the window between 09:30 and 15:30 to make participation easier for parents and caregivers.
• Home office option: Mobile working is available to all employees by arrangement, insofar as it is compatible with the needs of on-site information exchange and activities that require physical presence, such as experimental work or commissioning.
• Part-time work: Insofar as compatible with the requirements of the role and the delivery of agreed services, requests for part-time work will be accommodated.

3. Integration of the Gender Dimension into Professional Work

Checklist for research, consulting, and project proposals (e.g. Horizon Europe):

• Has it been analyzed whether the planned activities (e.g. research activities) have different impacts on women and men (e.g. mobility behavior, household decisions)?
• Are gender-disaggregated data collected in surveys or studies?
• Is gender-sensitive language used in publications and reports?

4. Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination

ZEDO e.V. does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment, bullying, or discrimination. Those affected have the right to confidentially turn to members of the board at any time. Every complaint is reviewed without delay and with anonymity preserved. Sanctions range from a warning to termination of the employment relationship.

5. Monitoring: Annual Data Collection