On May 20, 2025, an online local workshop “Five under-represented groups in HE” took place, organized by Daugavpils University as part of the international OpenEU project. The event brought together DU’s academic and administrative staff, as well as DU students, which offered a multifaceted perspective on issues related to five under-represented groups such Women in STEAM, Migrants and Refugees, People with disabilities, People from rural areas and Seniors, highlighting the barriers that each under-represented group may come across in the field of HE.

The local workshop opened with an overview of the OpenEU project, its objectives and its commitment to Inclusive Gender Equality and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, with a specifi focus on the under-represented groups. The rationale and activities of work package 3 were also delivered. During the workshop, presentations were delivered by NGO’s and CSO’s from the representatives such as the Latvian Council of Science, Integration and Inclusion Agency, The Latvian Society of the Blind, Partnership “Kaimiņi” and the Latvian Association of Health Psychology.

Each speaker emphasized different aspects of a particular under-represented group within HE and address the issues that a person from such a group may face during their study path from admission to graduation.  Participants shared ideas, best practices and suggested solutions on how to overcome barriers and improve a students and staff everyday life in HE.

Daugavpils University extends its gratitude to the speakers and to the participants for their engagement and and active disucssions. We are excited to continue our collaboration with everyone that were involved within the project framework.

For more information, please visit the OpenEU project website.

Daugavpils University
OpenEU WP3 Project Manager
Velta Trūle
Email: velta.trule@du.lv
Phone: +371 65425564