The position paper presents the rationale for retaining the gender dimension in research and innovation content as a default requirement in Framework Programme 10. Prepared by the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality, it highlights lessons from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, showing that sex-disaggregated data, gender-relevant variables and intersectional factors are key to research quality, innovation and societal relevance. It also provides clear recommendations to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, capacity-building and coherence with Gender Equality Plans across the European Research Area.