An open society is only truly open if everyone belongs and can take part.
In an era of migration, geopolitical uncertainty and growing social polarisation, questions of gender, ethnicity and equal treatment have become more urgent than ever. Understanding these dynamics is essential for strengthening open, resilient and just societies. Our community Gender, Migration and Global Justice (GEM) investigates how differences in, for example, ethnic background, gender, class and identity influence opportunities, participation and voice. Together with societal partners, researchers are developing new perspectives on inclusion, solidarity and democratic resilience.
Research has demonstrated that building a society that is inclusive for all genders, ethnicities and other group dimensions alike, is crucial from a fundamental human rights and individual fairness perspective, from a societal perspective and an economic perspective. What can organisations do to enhance the diversity, including the position of women and other under-represented groups, in their organization? How do we combat the discrimination and devaluation of minority groups?
The community is part of Utrecht University's research theme Institutions for Open Societies.
Four key-pillars
Intersectionality, Representation and Participation
Migration, (Im)mobility, and Emancipation
Care, Solidarity, and Relational Justice
Democracy, Law, and Fairness
Open CommunityResearchers join forces with societal partners to solve complex gender and diversity issues, as well as to develop strategies for implementing diversity in order to achieve societal inclusion and change. We're open to colloboration and we even offer our Self-Organised PhD Focus Group.
Funding & SupportWe are welcoming any ideas and initiatives advancing the understanding how gender and migration shape our societies is key to building institutions that are fair, resilient and open to all.
