RFAs: Integrating a Gender Perspective into Legal Education

The Council of Europe is accepting applications for a regional workshop on “Integrating a Gender Perspective into Legal Education”, scheduled for 23 October 2026 at the European Youth Centre Budapest (EYCB) in Hungary. The workshop will bring together up to 60 law professors and legal education leaders from Eastern Partnership countries to strengthen gender-responsive legal education, promote access to justice for women, and support regional collaboration among law faculties.

Overview of the Workshop

The workshop is designed to help legal educators incorporate gender perspectives into legal education and strengthen the teaching of gender equality, human rights, and access to justice within law faculties.

The initiative is part of a broader Council of Europe project that seeks to address legal, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s access to justice across the Eastern Partnership region.

Participants will explore practical approaches to integrating gender-responsive content into legal curricula while building networks that support long-term collaboration among legal education institutions.

Workshop Objectives

The workshop aims to:

Strengthen gender responsiveness within legal education
Promote access to justice for women
Integrate gender equality standards into legal teaching
Support curriculum development and reform
Enhance understanding of human rights-based legal education
Encourage innovative teaching methodologies
Foster regional cooperation among law faculties
Create sustainable professional networks for legal educators

Key Focus Areas

The workshop will address a range of topics related to gender equality and legal education.

Priority themes include:

Council of Europe gender equality standards
Human rights education
Gender-responsive legal education
Access to justice for women
Case-law of the European Court of Human Rights
Curriculum development
Innovative teaching approaches
Student engagement on gender equality
Adaptable teaching resources
Professional networking
Peer learning and exchange
Regional cooperation among law faculties

Workshop Activities

Selected participants will engage in collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing activities.

Activities include:

Peer exchange sessions
Discussions on challenges and good practices
Exploration of different legal traditions and educational contexts
Development of teaching resources
Networking opportunities
Collaborative problem-solving exercises
Planning for continued cooperation after the workshop

The programme also encourages participants to establish national and regional focal points for ongoing collaboration.

Who is Eligible?

Applications are open to legal education professionals from eligible Eastern Partnership countries.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be based in:

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Republic of Moldova
Ukraine

Eligible Applicants

Applicants may include:

Law professors
Lecturers
Academic teaching staff at any level
Deans and vice-deans of law faculties
Academic managers and administrators
Individuals holding leadership positions within law faculties

Institutional Requirement

Applicants must work at:

A law school or law faculty within a higher education institution
An institution that educates and trains future legal professionals

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be affiliated with an eligible law faculty or law school
Demonstrate commitment to:
- Human rights
- Democracy
- Rule of law
Have a good command of English
Be available for the entire workshop
Be willing to participate in peer-learning activities

Prior Gender Expertise

Not required
- Applicants do not need previous expertise in gender equality to participate.

Participant Benefits

The Council of Europe will cover all major participation costs for selected participants.

Covered expenses include:

International travel
Local transportation where applicable
Accommodation
Meals
Visa expenses
Daily subsistence allowance

No specific funding amount has been announced.

Why This Workshop Matters

Legal education plays an important role in shaping future judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and legal professionals.

By integrating gender perspectives into legal education, institutions can:

Improve understanding of gender equality principles
Strengthen human rights-based legal practice
Promote equitable access to justice
Enhance legal curricula
Prepare future legal professionals to address discrimination and inequality
Support institutional change within legal education systems

The workshop also contributes to stronger regional cooperation among law faculties and legal educators.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you:

Work at a law faculty or law school
Are based in one of the eligible countries
Meet the language and participation requirements

Step 2: Prepare Application Information

Applicants should be ready to demonstrate:

Academic or leadership role within a law faculty
Interest in legal education development
Commitment to Council of Europe values
Availability for the full workshop

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications should be submitted according to the procedures outlined in the official call.

Step 4: Await Selection Results

Successful applicants will receive information regarding:

Participation arrangements
Travel logistics
Accommodation
Reimbursement and support procedures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without meeting institutional eligibility requirements
- Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible law faculty.
Assuming gender expertise is mandatory
- Previous expertise in gender equality is not required.
Underestimating the English language requirement
- Participants must be able to actively engage in discussions and workshops.
Failing to demonstrate commitment to Council of Europe values
- Human rights, democracy, and rule of law are central selection considerations.
Not being available for the full event
- Full participation is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the workshop?
- The workshop aims to strengthen gender-responsive legal education and support access to justice for women through curriculum development, teaching innovation, and regional collaboration.
Where will the workshop take place?
- The event will be held at:
  - European Youth Centre Budapest (EYCB)
  - Budapest, Hungary
When will the workshop be held?
- The workshop is scheduled for:
  - 23 October 2026
Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include:
  - Law professors
  - Academic teaching staff
  - Law faculty leaders and managers
Which countries are eligible?
- Applicants must be based in:
  - Armenia
  - Azerbaijan
  - Georgia
  - Republic of Moldova
  - Ukraine
Is previous expertise in gender equality required?
- No.
  - Prior expertise in gender equality is not a requirement.
What costs are covered?
- The Council of Europe will cover:
  - Travel expenses
  - Accommodation
  - Meals
  - Visa costs
  - Daily subsistence allowance

Conclusion

The Council of Europe’s regional workshop on Integrating a Gender Perspective into Legal Education offers an important opportunity for law professors and legal education leaders from Eastern Partnership countries to strengthen gender-responsive teaching, enhance legal curricula, and contribute to improved access to justice for women. Through peer exchange, practical learning, and regional networking, participants will gain tools and connections that support long-term institutional change within legal education systems.