Gender Equality

The University of Göttingen pursues a comprehensive equal opportunities policy: it combines target-group-specific support measures (individual support, especially within the framework of the Dorothea Schlözer Programme) with gender-oriented development of the University’s structures and culture (gender mainstreaming). Gender equality has been established as an independent field of action. At the same time, gender equality is integrated as a cross-sectional task into all structures and processes of University fields of action – the promotion of early career researchers, research, studies and teaching, infrastructures and research management.

The objective is to create equal opportunities, to accept and appreciate different ways of life and life situations and to reduce disadvantage and discrimination. In this way, the university aims to offer the best possible framework conditions for successful studies and outstanding achievements in research and career to all its employees in science, administration, technical support and management, as well as students. The equal opportunities policy, which has been continuously developed in recent years, is systematically linked to the policy of diversity and the compatibility of work and family life.

The university's gender equality work is being further developed in a quality-assured manner: On the basis of data analyses and statistics relevant to gender equality (gender controlling) and evaluations, the achievement of objectives and the effectiveness of programmes and measures are monitored. Further development and improvement potentials are derived from this.

The Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit coordinates the equal opportunity-oriented organisational development. It advises faculties and other organisational units as well as professional and executive staff on further development and implementation of gender-oriented strategies (Gender Consulting) and the development of innovative, structurally effective projects (Equality Innovation Fund). It supports the expansion of information services and career support measures. It offers advice on various topics for employees of the university.

The focus of equal opportunities work is on the equal opportunity-oriented further development of the promotion of early career researchers and personnel development as well as on the improvement of safety and security on campus. The Equal Opportunities and Diversity unit works closely with the Equal Opportunities Officers (in particular on questions of staffing and selection processes) and other institutions and agents who implement measures and activities to promote gender equality. In addition, the university cooperates with the partner institutions of the Göttingen Campus, the universities in Lower Saxony (e.g. within the framework of the dialogue initiative "Gender Equitable University Culture") and other academic institutions on gender equality issues.