Equality Observatory
The Equality Observatory is a space for collecting, analysing, and disseminating data related to equality and diversity at the University of Warsaw. Its activities support the University in building an academic environment based on respect for diversity, prevention of discrimination, and the development and improvement of equality policies, in accordance with Ordinance no. 21 of the Rector of The University of Warsaw dated 28 February 2024 on policies on preventing unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing, and other undesirable behaviour at the University of Warsaw.
The Equality Observatory Team conducts statistical analyses concerning the functioning of the academic community, in particular gender structures in science and employment, the holding of positions, and participation in decision-making processes, including analyses of data disaggregated by gender. These differences are examined from the application stage through to the completion of a given educational stage. The data are used exclusively for research and reporting purposes, and the published results are aggregated and appropriately pseudonymised.
As part of the University of Warsaw’s activities, selected data on equal access to education are monitored. The University of Warsaw analyzes data on subsequent stages of study—from application and admission to studies to graduation—taking into account a gender perspective. This monitoring is based on administrative data collected in university and national systems, allowing for the observation of changes over time and the identification of potential differences. Analysis of this data allows for the observation of long-term trends and the identification of areas requiring action to support equal opportunities. The results of the analyses form the basis for designing equality initiatives—the data are used in work on the university’s gender equality policy and in other analyses used by institutions.
The activities of the Equality Observatory also include a broader reflection on the functioning of the University of Warsaw as a public institution and an employer, including analyses of organisational, cultural, and social factors influencing equal opportunities in the academic environment. As part of its work, the Observatory identifies areas requiring in-depth analysis, supports the development of knowledge on equal treatment, and provides data and recommendations used in planning, evaluation, and improvement processes at the University level.
On the Equality Observatory website you can find:
- statistical analyses concerning gender representation in various areas of the University’s functioning,
- information and results of monitoring equality in access to education and educational outcomes,
- results of studies concerning the experiences of students, doctoral candidates, and employees of the University of Warsaw,
- reports and basic publications presenting the situation of different groups within the academic community.
Statistics and reports
- Gender structure of students at the University of Warsaw – this category covers data on the participation of women and men among students enrolled in first-cycle (BA), second-cycle (MA), doctoral, and postgraduate programmes at the University of Warsaw.
Key information: In the years 2020–2024, women constituted the majority of students; however, their share slightly decreased (approximately 61.7% women versus 38.3% men in 2024), while the overall number of students of both genders declined. Among doctoral candidates, the gender structure shifted from a predominance of women (56.1%) in 2019 to a predominance of men (53.5%) in 2024, while simultaneously moving closer to gender parity. In postgraduate studies, the share of women remains high, although the proportion of men has increased (approximately 72% women and 28% men in 2024). Overall, the gender structure of the student population remains relatively stable, with women prevailing at most levels of education.
- Gender structure of employees at the University of Warsaw – this category presents the gender structure of employees at the University of Warsaw, broken down by academic, administrative, technical, and other groups.
Key information: Between 2019 and 2024, the share of women in the total employee population remained stable, amounting to approximately 55.6% women and 44.4% men in 2024. Among academic staff, the participation of women is close to parity (approximately 48.7%), although the highest academic positions, particularly professorships, are still more frequently held by men. Men continue to dominate technical and engineering professions, while women prevail in libraries and administrative positions (for example, women account for approximately 77% of administrative staff). Overall, the data indicate a relative balance in employment, accompanied by a trend towards gradual feminisation in selected occupational groups.
- Gender structure in the management staff of the University of Warsaw – this category concerns the participation of women and men in the management and decision-making bodies of the University of Warsaw, including central authorities, faculty leadership, and collegiate bodies.
Key information: Both in the 2024–2028 term and in previous terms, the highest governing bodies of the University remain characterised by a significant predominance of men, with five men and one woman holding the most senior positions. The group of Deans increased the number of women from six to nine out of 25 positions between consecutive terms. The number of Vice-Deans is now practically balanced (approximately 34 women and 33 men). In the Senate, the share of women has risen to near parity (approximately 33 women and 32 men). While this area demonstrates trends towards greater gender equality, it continues to exhibit more pronounced gender disparities than those observed among students and employees, particularly at the highest decision-making levels.
- Equality education in numbers – a compilation of data on participation in equality courses and trainings conducted at the University of Warsaw. A detailed description of the courses offered can be found here.
Key information: The University of Warsaw implements a comprehensive portfolio of courses and training programmes in the areas of equality, anti-discrimination, and the prevention of mobbing and harassment. Since 2019, 19,750 participants have completed the “Course on Equality,” and a total of 28,211 individuals have completed online training programmes, including Polish-, English-, and Ukrainian-language versions. Approximately 5,862 participants completed the course on preventing sexual harassment, including 698 participants in the English-language version. More than 2,000 individuals took part in training focused on the prevention of mobbing. Other thematic courses addressing discrimination and historical memory attracted hundreds of participants and further expanded the educational offer. These data indicate strong and systematically growing engagement of the University community in equality education and efforts to counteract prejudice.
Research
- Equality at UW (2019) – Equal treatment on the basis of gender – a report from the UW community survey
- Equality at UW (2024)
- Being a parent at UW – in preparation
The “Library” section contains a collection of key publications, materials, guides, reports, and legal acts related to equality, diversity, anti-discrimination, and sexual harassment in academia. These documents were prepared both at the University of Warsaw (e.g., reports, recommendations, and guides) and outside the UW (e.g., guides, dictionaries, and international publications).
Most important publications (available in Polish):
- Annual reports of the Rector of the University of Warsaw – approved by the University Senate, contain a calendar of key events in a given calendar year, statistical data, and information on the program offerings, the recruitment process, scientific development, cooperation with the social and economic environment, and international partners, as well as the university’s finances and investments.
- Sytuacja społeczna osób LGBT w Polsce (2021) – The Social Situation of LGBT People in Poland (2021) – a report prepared by the University of Warsaw Center for Research on Prejudice on behalf of the Campaign Against Homophobia.
- Oddzielone, oddzieleni (2021) – Separated (2021) – a research report on the situation of LGBTQ people studying at the University of Warsaw, prepared by the Queer University of Warsaw student group.
- Rodzice na Uniwersytecie (2019) – Parents at the University (2019) – a report summarizing a project conducted at the University of Warsaw, implemented as part of the first edition of the University of Warsaw Participatory Budget. It presents the situation and problems of university employees, staff, and students who have children.