Equality and Diversity in Universities: A Pressing Challenge Addressed by LABS FOR CHANGE
Equality and Diversity in Universities: A Pressing Challenge Addressed by LABS FOR CHANGE
Equality and Diversity in Universities: A Pressing Challenge Addressed by LABS FOR CHANGE
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical importance of addressing equality and diversity in higher education institutions, particularly through the lens of intersectionality
Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, has become a fundamental concept in understanding and addressing the complex layers of discrimination and inequality that individuals face in various settings, including universities (Claeys-Kulik et al., 2019). This approach examines how different forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, intersect and affect individuals in unique ways (Kantola & Nousiainen, 2009). Meaning that there is no simple solution to the challenge and it requires considering an inclusive approach to diversity based on social justice, not exclusively on assessing outcomes related to employability or graduation rates.
This is the context where LABS FOR CHANGE: Social Innovation Labs for the Promotion of Equality, Diversity, and Non-Discrimination in Higher Education Institutions project has been created, bringing together organizations with a solid track record in social innovation and a strong commitment to equality. At MU Enpresagintza’s unit of Entrepreneurship (Mondragon Team Academy). LABS FOR CHANGE is a project funded by the Erasmus+ program under Grant Agreement 2024-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000248544. Officially launched on 1st September 2024, will run until 31st August 2026, with a budget co-founded by the European Union of €400,000.
Coordinated by MU Enpresagintza the consortium includes esteemed partners:
- PANEPISTIMIO THESSALIAS UNIVERSITY (Greece): with long achievements in participatory audits and the development of localized strategies for equity.
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DORTMUND (Germany): Leaders in social innovation research and systemic change in their region.
- 2811 Social Enterprise UG (Germany): A consultancy firm specialized in training and empowering change agents.
- DINAMIA S. Coop. Mad. (Spain): A cooperative consultancy firm specializing in social economy and the design of impactful awareness strategies.
This alliance represents a shared aspiration, grounded in the understanding that by combining the experience and commitment of each organization, we can contribute to solving this immense challenge. LABS FOR CHANGE's roadmap includes setting up key agents: training and knowledge creation, innovation labs with participative methodologies for social change (running on the Mondragon Team Academy expertise), co-creating resources to counteract systemic inequalities, and dissemination trips. This will be done with consideration given to the college community: students, faculty, administrative staff, and the local community will work together to address some of the most robust challenges.
Having had six team meetings so far, the LABS FOR CHANGE consortium is aligned to work toward a shared mission in further ascending steps. The first innovation labs will be launched in 2025, with the execution of pilot audits in Basque Country, Greece, and Germany; this milestone is significant for the project.
LABS FOR CHANGE is not just a project; it is a commitment to changing our universities into inclusive and fair places. At the Consortium, we invite all institutions and stakeholders to watch our journey and join in this active movement of change.
The future of higher education must be inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Let us all build together!