Representatives of Lithuania’s municipalities discuss diversity and equality at Kaunas University of Technology

“Universities are the hubs of knowledge. They are responsible for educating leaders of the new generation. Only a strong, active, pro-diverse, and critical society can find solutions. Universities should contribute by researching and sharing,” said Dr Kęstutis Baltakys, the Vice-Rector for Research and Professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).

On November 13-14, 2024, the KTU Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (KTU FSSAH) held the scientific and practical conference “Equal Opportunities Start Here: the Annual Conference of Equal Women and Men Opportunities Reassurance and Protection from Domestic Violence with Representatives from Municipalities”.

This two-day conference joined more than 150 participants from all Lithuanian municipalities to discuss issues of equal opportunities, non-discrimination, diversity, and gender equality.

In her welcoming speech, Justina Jakštienė, the Vice Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, noted that equality is one of the main values of modern society, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to contribute to public life.

“Precise and comparable data is vital for policymakers’ and society’s ability to assess the amount and nature of discrimination towards vulnerable and marginalised groups,” said the Vice Minister.

The conference discussed the role of data in promoting equal opportunities, gender equality, and prevention of domestic abuse. The focus was on implementing these policies within Lithuanian municipalities.

Dr Ramunė Kasperė, Vice-Dean for Research and Professor at FSSAH, stressed the relevance of equality and non-discrimination in academic communities because many face discrimination in academia and teaching.

“I believe the wide range of topics covered at the conference will provide an even better understanding of how everyone can contribute to the assurance of equal opportunities. The promotion of equal opportunities must be active,” said Ramunė Kasperė.

Researcher at KTU research group “Educational Research” Dr Rasa Erentaitė delivered a presentation on the accomplishments of teenagers in an unequal society. Professor Dr Raminta Pučėtaitė, researcher in the KTU research group “Research of Public Governance”, Dr Vytautas Valentinavičius, researcher in the KTU research group “Civil Society and Sustainability”, and Jolanta Vaičiūnienė, the director of KTU’s Municipal Training Centre, discussed the implementation of equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies to the municipalities and the inclusion of LGBTQ people.

Dr Dovilė Galdauskaitė, head of the State Data Agency, presented the significance of data in making informed decisions and introduced the participants to tools and databases for various solutions.

Dr Reda Adomaitienė and Associate Professor Dr Rūta Žiliūkaitė from the Lithuanian Women‘s Lobby Organisation delivered a presentation on monitoring unpaid women’s labour. Dr Margarita Jankauskaitė from the Center for Equality Advancement discussed the role of men in promoting gender equality principles. Donatas Paulauskas from Ignitis group, the head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing, talked about various forms of gender inequality among men. Professor at KTU Dr Raminta Pučėtaitė delivered a presentation on young women’s experience in the labour market.

The Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, in collaboration with the Municipal Training Centre of KTU FSSAH, organised this annual conference to enhance the integration of principles related to equality, diversity, and non-discrimination into policymaking within Lithuanian municipalities.