The Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network (CEESEN) bears social responsibility in supporting the sustainable development of society and considers it important to promote gender equality among its members.

Pursuant to Gender Equality Act, men and women must be ensured equal rights, obligations, opportunities and responsibility in professional life, upon acquisition of education and participation in other areas of social life. In practice, it means that we have to knowingly offer equal opportunities regardless of gender, eliminate rules and practices that create inequality, work actively to prevent sexual harassment, provide favourable conditions for reconciling work and family life, and integrate the theme of gender equality into education, from the kindergarten to higher education. Awareness of the importance of gender equality and changing people’s attitudes therefore need much more communication and explaining.

Promoting gender equality is a hallmark of an international organisation focused on sustainable development. It is necessary and important not only from legal and ethical aspects, but it also builds a competent workforce, improves performance, helps reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, and enhances the reputation of the organization.

The CEESEN Gender Equality Plan has been prepared in the knowledge that promoting gender equality is a continuous process and that small steps can lead to bigger results.