Promoting Equal Opportunities and Family-Friendliness

The Equal Opportunities Officer contributes to development planning activities, is involved in all University committees and commissions, and is furthermore designated equal opportunity contact person for all members of the university. "In the context of the Excellence Initiative, it is of strategic importance for the University to be well-positioned in the area of equal opportunities. RWTH aims to tackle the problem of under-representation of women at the university and to increase the percentage of women within the next few years. This applies to courses of study in the so-called STEM subjects, and also to careers in technology, to executive positions and professorships. Equal Opportunities Officers promote equal opportunity in the selection of appointment committees, the recruiting of staff and the allocation of scholarships," offers Brands-Proharam Gonzalez in her position as chief equal opportunities officer.

Together with her three deputies, she initiates and coordinates measures for promoting equal opportunities, such as STEM-programs for female school students, continuing education offerings, or the "Väterprojekt." They also provide confidential advising in family matters through the Family Services Center. The teams' work is based on the equal opportunities concept and the guidelines for staff development, which were both approved by the Senate in 2017 and set down predefined objectives for the years 2017 to 2022.

"RWTH Aachen University is on the right path. We will support the university in reaching its set objectives," declares Brands-Proharam Gonzalez.

Source: Press and Communications