Abstract Submission Deadline: Sept. 15th, 2025

Date: April 17, 2026

Venue: Koç University, Rumelifeneri Main Campus, Istanbul, Turkiye

Co-Convenors: Prof. Caner Bakir (CBAKIR@ku.edu.tr) and Dr. Sebahat Derin Atiskan (derinatiskan@gmail.com)

The Workshop invites speakers interested in discussing the globally recognized problem of gender equality policies. The papers submitted for consideration should adhere to the JCPA’s Aims and Scope and, after the Workshop, will be candidates for a JCPA Special Issue following the JCPA standard peer-review process. The Special Issue will be guest edited by the workshop conveners.

The JCPA has pioneered the field since 1998, anchoring a growing international community through the Society for International Comparative Policy Analysis (ICPA Society). Included in the A category, with an Impact Factor of 3.9 and a Cite Score of 7.8. JCPA firmly holds its position in the top Q1 quartile, reinforcing its influence and leadership in the field.

Objectives of the Workshop:

a) To advance theoretical and empirical knowledge and discussions at the intersection of gender and comparative public policy.

b) To foster discussions on the challenges and successes of gender policy interventions in different country-and regional levels.

c) To generate new insights and ideas on effective policy interventions that promote gender equality through cross-country learning.

d) To foster collaborations that can lead to impactful cross-border research initiatives on gender and comparative policy analysis.

e) To explicitly advance comparative methodologies and theories through the lens of gender research.

Workshop Rationale:

Despite decades of efforts, and despite degrees of attainment, it is clear that no country has really achieved full gender equality. Addressing this persistent global issue requires to understand its root causes and identify effective, adaptable policy solutions. It is believed that by strategically implementing a comprehensive set of gender-sensitive initiatives, such as work-life balance policies, gender budgeting, and measures for political representation, countries can achieve meaningful advancements toward achieving gender equality for all, thus impacting not only their own societies but also influencing global change in this direction.

In this context, a comparative analysis of public policies on gender is critical in examining gender policies across time, sectors and countries. This can facilitate through lesson drawing, the identification and further development of successful strategies and best practices that can be effectively adapted or replicated in other political, cultural, and economic contexts while engaging with local norms, societal structures, and institutional environments.

Call for Papers:

We invite both theoretical and empirical comparative papers showcasing diverse methodologies including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, across any geographical context or policy domain, engaging with, but are not limited to:

• Gender Mainstreaming in Policy Design and Development: Investigating how gender mainstreaming strategies can vary in application, implementation, and effectiveness of policies across different countries or sectors.
• Impacts of Gender Equality Policies: Comparative analyses of gender policies across contexts to assess how they shape societal outcomes in various domains.
• Methodologies in Comparative Analysis of Gender Policies: Exploring the innovative approaches on the comparative analysis of gender policies across different countries or regions through comprehensive case study analyses, cross-national comparisons, and investigations on policy diffusion.
• Comparison of Progressive and Conservative Gender Policies: Comparing countries with progressive gender policies (e.g., quotas, parental leave) and those with restrictive measures (e.g., legal barriers, limits on reproductive rights) to examine differing outcomes.
• The Role of International Institutions in Shaping Gender Policies: Analyzing how prominent international legal frameworks and norms— such as those established by the United Nations and the European Union, for example — inform and shape country-level gender equality policies.
• Gender, Culture, and Policy Adaptation: Investigating the role of cultural contexts in shaping gender policy outcomes and discussing the complexities and challenges of applying universal approaches to gender equality within diverse country or regional settings.
• Bibliometric analysis on the Disparities in Gender Equality Policies: comparatively analyzing gender equality policies across various time periods, countries and regions. It should be anchored in a robust theoretical framework that deepens our understanding of the diverse factors influencing disparities in gender-related policies, thereby facilitating an understanding of complexities and driving meaningful change.

KEY DATES

Abstract Submissions: September 15th, 2025 (500 words) Email: jcpaexecutive@gmail.com

Accepted Proposal Notification: September 30th, 2025

Full Paper Submission and Registration: January 30th, 2025

Comments from Assigned Discussants and Convener to Authors: February 6th, 2025

Revised Paper Submission Deadline: April 6th, 2026. Email jcpaexecutive@gmail.com

Posting of Revised Papers for Workshop Participants: April 7th, 2026

Workshop Date: April 17th, 2026

JCPA Submission window for final versions to start the reviewing process: June 19-26, 2026

Workshop Submission Guidelines:

The papers should be written in English and observe the style requirements outlined in the JCPA Submission Guidelines. They should have explicit comparative lens that must not have been published or submitted elsewhere.

Please note:

• All proposals must adhere to JCPA’s Aims and Scope;
• The abstract should clearly articulate: contribution, research gap, objective, methodology, key findings and implications;
• Provide a cover page including: authors affiliations, contact addresses, email addresses, corresponding author.

Financial Support by Sponsoring Organizations: GLODEM, Koc University, JCPA and ICPA Society.

GLODEM Koç University extends two (2) nights hotel accommodation (breakfast included) to up to 8-10 presenters of shortlisted papers at the Koç University Rumelifeneri Main Campus, Istanbul; a fully equipped meeting room; catering during the day of the workshop (lunch and coffee breaks); dinner at a Restaurant on the day of workshop, 2026; a JCPA sponsored reception and meeting of the editorial board, friends and authors of the Journal and ICPA Society.

Registration and Payment Information:

For any questions, please email jcpaexecutive@gmail.com.

There will be no workshop fee for paper givers and discussants or invited Workshop participants. Nevertheless, at registration, it is expected that as Workshop and potential Special Issue authors, participants become members of the ICPA Society community and part of a select network of scholars advancing comparative policy studies through publication and continued collaborations. Please note: Membership includes substantial benefits, engagement opportunities, as well as a FREE annual subscription to the SIX issues of the JCPA.