On November 16, 2021 the 2021 Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA) joint report between the UNDP and University of Pittsburgh was profiled in a virtual workshop, presenting data and newfound research on progress towards achieving gender parity in the civil service. The dataset, Gen-PaCS, compiled 170 countries, and research was discussed by students, scholars, and practitioners. This research is the result of a six-year joint effort by the UNDP and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt).
This 3 and ½ hour along workshop featured students presenting as a part of the GEPA student working group at the University of Pittsburgh, practitioners representing multiple global regions, and other scholars including those who specialize in the Gender Equality field. The event was organized by Drs. Müge Finkel and Melanie Hughes, Co-Directors of the Gender Inequality Research Lab (GIRL). The research was supported by the efforts of over 100 students who participated in the GEPA working group at Pitt.
The workshop primarily focused on three research components: (1) Glass ceilings that undercut women’s representation in top leadership and senior management positions in the civil service; (2) Glass walls that limit gender equality across policy areas, with particular attention to environmental ministries; and (3) Gender inequalities in public institutions tasked with COVID-19 response. The role which all three of these components play in continuing gendered inequalities was illustrated by statistical disparities in representation in decision-making positions, climate ministries, and health ministries. Each research component concluded with the remaining challenges to achieving gender parity in these fields, followed by the opportunities to continue to improve representation.
