“It is time to stop trying to change women, and start changing the systems that prevent them from achieving their potential.”
— António Guterres, March 8, 2020

Gender equality is a prerequisite for a culture of study, research, and work that aspires to the highest standards of quality. Achieving gender equality is a core commitment of the University of Rostock and an essential part of our open and diverse academic culture.

The Gender Equality Officer supports the Rectorate in ensuring genuine equality between women and men in academic studies, teaching, research, and administration. This includes eliminating existing disadvantages and taking gender-related aspects into account, especially in the context of development planning and the allocation of resources (§§ 4, 88 Paragraph 1 of the Higher Education Act of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).

To fulfill her legal mandate, the Equal Opportunity Commissioner is involved early in all personnel, organizational, and social measures related to equality. She operates independently of directives and is structurally assigned to the Rectorate.

The Gender Equality Officer serves as a point of contact for students and staff at the University on issues relating to gender equality, equal opportunities, the reconciliation of family care responsibilities with study and work, and in cases of sexual discrimination, harassment, or violence. All conversations take place in a confidential and secure environment.

She is supported in her work by a deputy, a staff member, and—on faculty matters—by faculty representatives and their deputies.

The team of gender equality actors understands their work as a cross-cutting responsibility that extends across all areas of the University. Our shared goal is to create a respectful, discrimination-free, and fair environment for all students and staff—regardless of gender