Mentoring grounded in trust and a feminist perspective

CERCA-REMA weaves a network of relationships between women with diverse professional paths—both in research and in management—who share a common challenge: advancing in their careers within environments where structural inequalities still persist. The mentoring relationships are conceived as safe, trusting and validating spaces, where dialogue is mutual and expectations are realistic. (How can we sustain leadership that does not crack under pressure? How can we break the isolation so many women experience?)

The programme also includes a training pathway designed by Míriam Bayés and Jordina Arnau, featuring workshops on feminist leadership, identifying harassment situations, assertive communication, emotional wellbeing, and the development of sustainable leadership practices.

Broad and diverse participation

The figures highlight the programme’s reach: 61 participants attended the information session, 51 mentoring pairs were formed, and the workshops gathered 322 registrations. It is a community that would hardly have come together outside this framework and that, according to participants, has helped break isolation and fostered strong bonds of professional solidarity.

What we have learned

The reflections shared show that, despite progress, obstacles remain when it comes to reporting sexual and gender-based harassment. Fear of reprisals, lack of trust in institutional mechanisms, and job insecurity continue to act as disincentives. CERCA-REMA demonstrates that training, support, and community-building are essential components in addressing these issues.

The programme also brings to the fore a recurring challenge: the need for continuity. Longer, more flexible spaces that are better integrated into everyday working life would allow deeper work on change processes and make reconciliation easier.

Looking ahead

In 2026, a new line of work will be launched: a specific programme aimed at men, with the goal of promoting their active and shared involvement in eradicating gender-based violence and driving cultural transformation within research environments.

CERCA-REMA has shown that feminist mentoring not only empowers individuals but also transforms groups and institutions. It is a necessary step towards research environments that are more equitable, safer, and capable of recognising all the talent that sustains them.

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A Space for Dialogue and Awareness

The event opened with a welcome address by Esther Zapater, Secretary General of the UAB and Chair of the CIC’s Women and Science Commission. This was followed by Núria Alcaraz, officer at the Gender Unit of I-CERCA, who introduced the campaign “Research with Respect”, featuring the video “Research with Good Practices”. This initiative seeks to promote safe and respectful environments across the research community.

Round Table: Challenges and Opportunities

The central debate, moderated by Saray Espejo Benito, Director General for Care, Time Organisation and Work Equity at the Ministry of Equality and Feminism, brought together experts such as Teresa Rosas (CREAF), Rachel Palmen (IN3-UOC) and Neus Rosell (Medicus Mundi Mediterrània). Key issues discussed included:
• The need for support networks among women researchers.
• The crucial role of mentoring programmes for young scientists.
• Strategies to embed gender policies and overcome resistance to change.
• Ensuring that time devoted to equality does not hinder research careers.

Speakers also warned of the growing threat to women’s rights in a politically polarised context, underlining the urgency of coordinated action.

A Commitment That Endures

The event forms part of the Gender Equality Strategy in Science (EIGEC), designed to transform the organisational culture of the knowledge system. Closing remarks were delivered by Javier Selva, Director General for Knowledge Transfer and Society, who reaffirmed the Department’s determination to make equality a structural pillar in research and higher education.

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This morning marked the establishment of the Expert Group for the promotion of the Gender Equality Strategy in Science (EIGEC), a key initiative for the implementation of the Catalan Science Act. Its aim is to embed gender equality as a structural practice within the Catalan research system.

The inaugural session, held at the Ministry of Research and Universities, featured the participation of Minister Núria Montserrat and Minister for Equality and Feminisms Eva Menor, demonstrating the cross-cutting political commitment underpinning this project.

The session included an opening lecture on mainstreaming the gender perspective within the European Research and Innovation Area, delivered by Katerina Svickova, Head of the Gender Unit at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Rachel Louise Palmén, coordinator of the INSPIRE research group and senior researcher at IN3-UOC.

A Diverse and Committed Group

The expert group, attached to the Interdepartmental Commission for Research and Innovation (CIRI), comprises 14 members with established careers in research and gender equality. Among them are Laia Pellejà, Director of the CERCA Institution, and Núria Alcaraz, officer of the Gender and Language Unit at the same institution. Both bring expert and strategic insight from the CERCA system, reinforcing research centres’ commitment to the feminist transformation of knowledge.

Functions and Challenges of the Group

The group’s primary mission is to promote comprehensive engagement with intersectional gender equality among all actors in the research system. Its key functions include assessing EIGEC indicators, advising on equality policies, proposing actions for dissemination and monitoring, and validating the final evaluation report.

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