EU Gender Action Plan 2026: Submit Your Feedback to Shape Global Equality Efforts

The EU Gender Action Plan (GAP IV) consultation is now open, offering researchers, youth, and policy professionals a unique opportunity to shape the future of gender equality in global development. This initiative invites stakeholders worldwide to contribute evidence and insights that will inform the European Union’s external action on gender equality and women’s empowerment from 2028 to 2034. If you are working in research, innovation, policy, or advocacy, this is a critical chance to influence international priorities and ensure gender equality is embedded across global partnerships.

About the Program

The EU Gender Action Plan IV (GAP IV) is a forthcoming policy framework that will guide how the European Union promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment in its external relations. Building on previous action plans, GAP IV aims to strengthen the EU’s global leadership in advancing gender equality across development cooperation, humanitarian aid, trade, and international partnerships.

As part of its development, the European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence, inviting contributions from individuals, organizations, researchers, and institutions. These inputs will help refine priorities, identify gaps, and ensure that the final strategy reflects diverse perspectives and real-world challenges.

A key focus of the consultation is the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) partnerships in advancing gender equality. Current evidence shows that many international collaborations remain “gender blind,” lacking adequate monitoring, accountability, and inclusive design. GAP IV aims to address these shortcomings by embedding gender equality more systematically into global research and innovation systems.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Gender equality remains a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Despite progress over recent decades, significant inequalities persist across social, economic, and political systems worldwide. These disparities are often amplified in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

This consultation is important because it directly influences how one of the world’s largest development actors—the European Union—allocates resources, designs partnerships, and sets global priorities. Contributions to GAP IV can help ensure that gender equality is not treated as an afterthought but as a central pillar of international cooperation.

In particular, integrating gender equality into research and innovation has far-reaching implications. Evidence shows that inclusive approaches improve scientific quality, enhance societal relevance, and lead to more effective and equitable outcomes. By contributing to this consultation, stakeholders can help shape policies that promote inclusive participation, reduce structural inequalities, and strengthen global collaboration.

What Participants Will Gain

Although this is not a funded programme, participating in the consultation offers significant professional and strategic benefits.

Contributors gain the opportunity to influence high-level EU policy that will shape international development priorities for years to come. This level of engagement is particularly valuable for researchers, practitioners, and organizations seeking to align their work with global frameworks.

Participants also benefit from increased visibility within policy and development spaces, as submissions are reviewed and considered by EU institutions. Engaging in this process can strengthen credibility, expand networks, and position contributors as thought leaders in gender equality and international development.

Additionally, the process provides an opportunity to reflect on existing evidence, consolidate insights, and contribute to a broader global dialogue on gender equality, innovation, and inclusive development.

Who Can Apply

The consultation is open to a wide range of stakeholders. This includes researchers, academic institutions, civil society organizations, policymakers, private sector actors, and individuals with relevant expertise.

Participants are particularly encouraged to contribute if they have experience in gender equality, international development, research and innovation, or related fields. Submissions that include evidence-based insights, data, or practical recommendations are especially valuable.

There are no strict eligibility restrictions, making this an accessible opportunity for global participation.

Eligible Areas

This is a global opportunity, open to participants from all regions. Contributions are welcomed from individuals and organizations worldwide, regardless of geographic location.

Application Process and Deadline

To participate, contributors must submit their feedback through the European Commission’s online platform. Registration or login is required before submitting input.

Submissions should provide clear, evidence-based perspectives on gender equality, particularly in relation to international partnerships, research, and innovation.

The deadline to submit contributions is 30 April 2026 (midnight Brussels time). Early submissions are encouraged to ensure adequate time for review.

Learn more and submit your feedback on the official European Commission site.

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