Equal Treatment
The Estonian University of Life Sciences is committed to ensuring a work environment where employees are valued and treated with respect. We embrace diversity and uphold the right of every individual to dignity and equal treatment, regardless of nationality, race, skin color, gender, language, origin, religion, beliefs, financial or social status, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Equal treatment and gender equality for all members of the community are fundamental elements of a democratic society. To define, enforce and promote these principles, the Estonian University of Life Sciences has developed an equal treatment guide and a gender equality plan.
The Gender Equality Action Plan of the Estonian University of Life Sciences outlines measures to reduce gender inequality. Its objective is to support the implementation of the university’s core values and ensure an inclusive and equal-opportunity work environment. Every university employee contributes to the promotion of gender equality by adhering to the principles of the action plan in their daily work.
Diversity Charter
In 2025, the university joined the Diversity Charter coordinated by the Estonian Human Rights Centre. By taking this step, the university affirms that it values human diversity and is committed to upholding the principles of equal treatment among its employees, clients, and partners. The full content of the Charter is available on the Estonian Human Rights Centre’s website.
Organisations that have signed the Charter form a cooperation network where best practices are shared and discussions on diversity and equal treatment are promoted throughout society. Members can participate in trainings, seminars, and workshops, and engage with leading experts in the field.
More information is available in the news article about joining the Charterlink opens in new page (in Estonian) and on the Estonian Human Rights Centre’s websitelink opens in new page.
Text of the Estonian Diversity Charter
With consideration for the diversity of Estonian society aware of the importance to the success of companies of taking diversity into consideration, including in the promotion of innovation and creativity, in finding new and a more diverse range of clients and business partners and in reacting rapidly to changes; and bearing in mind that in accordance with the constitution and other laws all forms of discrimination are prohibited,
We have agreed on the following:
- within our organization we shall value mutual respect, diversity and the principle of equal treatment;
- in the management of the organization we shall place emphasis on consideration for diversity, ensuring that this is reflected in every aspect of the company’s operations;
- we shall pursue a staffing policy which ensures the optimum use and equal treatment of all employees, eschewing discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnic background, skin colour, age, disability, sexual orientation and religious or political views;
- we shall work to ensure that the diversity of Estonian society is reflected in our workforce;
- we shall defend our staff against discrimination;
- we shall inform our staff of their rights and obligations in implementing the principle of equal treatment;
- we shall create opportunities for staff and clients to better understand the need for and benefits of the principle of equal treatment and ensure that cases of discrimination are resolved impartially and effectively;
- we shall draft and regularly update an action plan for the promotion of the principle of equal treatment and for consideration of diversity which shall incorporate measurable performance indicators and in the drafting and implementation of which all staff shall be included;
- we shall continuously monitor progress in the achievement of the objectives set out in this charter; and
- we shall inform our staff, our clients and the public of other companies and institutions that have signed up to the charter and of success in fulfilling its objectives.
Diversity Week of Estonian Universities 2025: Dare to Act!
In May 2025, Estonia’s public universities jointly organised a national Diversity Week for the second year in a row. The aim was to encourage people to notice and, when necessary, to intervene. The week offered discussions and practical guidance on how to support victims and respond as a bystander to workplace bullying, gender-based violence, abuse, and unequal treatment in academic and work environments.
The initiative is jointly led by the University of Tartu, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn University, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Estonian Academy of Arts, in cooperation with the Estonian Research Council and experts in diversity and inclusion.
More information is available in the event’s news articlelink opens in new page (in Estonian) and on the Estonian Research Council’s websitelink opens in new page.
