The Gender Equality Task Force creates the department's equal opportunity concept and assists its implementation. One of its most important goals is to support the academic careers of women, who are still underrepresented in the field of business and economic sciences. To this end, the Task Force has installed the program "Mentoring@WiWi", which is aimed at female department members of all academic qualification levels and brings together mentors/mentees via a tandem model.

Members:

Prof. Dr. Anja Fischer (Chairperson; Management Science)
Prof. Dr. Christiane Hellmanzik (Urban, Regional, and International Economics)
Prof. Dr. An­dre­as Hoffjan (Management Accounting and Controlling)
Angelika Conrad (Deans' Office)

More information on the work of the task force and on "Mentoring@WiWi" can be found on the website of the Equal Opportunity Commissioner.

Prof. Dr. Fischer on the department's gender equality goals and measures:

Question 1: Professor Fischer, you are the Equal Opportunity Commisioner of the Department of Business and Economics and now also head of the task force on the same issue. Why is it so important that the department has made the topic of "equality" one of its central concerns?

Our faculty and science in general thrive on discourse and diverse perspectives. All members should be able to develop and contribute their individual abilities, regardless of their background, disability or gender. A lot has happened at the faculty in recent years. But in some areas, women are still underrepresented. We as a task force are working towards  changing this in the long term. In addition, we are working toward a better work-life balance for women and men.

Question 2: What equality issues are particularly close to your heart for you personally?

As Equal Opportunity Commissioner, it is my goal in particular to show female students possible career paths in academia and to successively review and improve the associated framework conditions at the department. Studies have shown that many women simply do not trust themselves to pursue an academic career. It is important to develop an awareness of this and, together with colleagues, to address and encourage talented female students at an early stage.

Question 3: In concrete terms, how does the Department of Business and Economics promote equality for women?

For years, the department has provided financial support for female students, research assistants and junior professors to attend conferences and workshops. There, they can present their results and build up their own networks. In addition, further training courses are also financed. The latest project is Mentoring@WiWi. Here, women's scientific careers are to be promoted via mentoring relationship tandems. The basic pillars are individual mentee-mentor relationships, regular inter-departmental group meetings culminating in a guest lecture by an outstanding female scholar, and additional financial support, for example for short research stays.