Council for Gender Equality at Goethe University

The reasons for unequal opportunities are manifold. For example, everyday stereotypes about gender are constantly propagated in science and research and have become an integral part of the scientific structure. And the conventional structures for recruiting young scientists and the usual short-term job limitations have a gender-specific differentiating effect and are detrimental to female scientists. A further reason for the under-representation of female scientists is the fact that women are still under greater social pressure due to family responsibilities. A better offer of childcare and other measures to reconcile family and career is therefore of great importance. These gender equality tasks are coordinated by the Council for Gender Equality in the Biosciences Department.

Diversity at Goethe University

The Goethe University has expanded its equality efforts to include diversity policies. The leitmotifs are to avoid discrimination and to create equal opportunities. The term diversity policies underlines that the Goethe University strives for change at all levels of the organization.

Further information (in German): 

Diversity Concept of the Goethe University
Career Advancement and Gender Equality Leaflet
Coordination Office Diversity Policies of the Goethe University
Diversity Compact for Students

Since the preservation and support of gender equality is an important concern of the department, it was decided at the end of 2010 to establish in the Dean's Office, in addition to the Women's Council of the time (Equal Opportunities Council), a fixed authority for gender equality for the Vice Dean.

The Equal Opportunities Council represents the interests of the individual status groups and ensures equal opportunities in recruitment and appointment procedures. The proportion of women on the career ladder continues to decline. It is therefore important to promote equal opportunities for women. In addition, the Equal Opportunities Council supports women in reconciling family life and studies or career. It also offers assistance in conflict resolution and sexual harassment through training courses and at the workplace.

The Equal Opportunities Council is happy to support the vocational qualification of women. If you have any questions regarding the application process or financial support and processing, or if you have any questions regarding the content of the application, please contact Prof. Dr. Averhoff (T: +49 69 798-29509). You will find the application form and further information on how to apply in the right-hand tab under "Downloads/ Application form for project funding (Antragsformular zur Projektförderung)".

In addition to these contact persons, the central Women's Representative, Dr. A. Wolde (T: +49 69 798-28100, Email) or the staff at the Equal Opportunities Office will be happy to assist you.

Dear women,

Please note the new guidelines for applying for financial support from the Equal Opportunities Council. Financial support for non-gender-specific applications (e.g. participation in conferences) is only possible with a simultaneous or previous application to another institution, as our financial framework is very limited. Furthermore, the application for financial support for a conference participation is only possible with active participation in the form of a poster presentation and/or a lecture by the applicant. Please refer to the application form (see Downloads) for further information and conditions.

Best regards,

Your Equality Council

In the Biologicum, the MobiKiz can be borrowed from Mr. Michael Born in the Didactics Department in room -1.412 from Monday to Friday between 9.00 and 17.00 hrs. A prior appointment is not absolutely necessary, but would be desirable to ensure that someone can hand over the MobiKiz. You can reach Mr. Born at the telephone number +49 69 798-42270 or by Email.

Another MobiKiz is available at the Otto-Stern-Zentrum (OSZ) at the doorman's office and can be borrowed there during regular working hours.

The Equal Opportunities Council will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

The new premises of the Biologicum include both changing rooms and a parent-child room. We can also provide you with information on childcare at the Goethe University in Frankfurt.

The parent-child room of the Biologicum is located in wing B, basement, room -1.204 and is accessible to all employees of the working groups located in the Biologicum via their Goethe Card. Notice of use to the Council for Gender Equality is not necessary.

Students with children who are not assigned to a working group and therefore do not have access to the room are welcome to contact Mr. Fischer (Room 1.320, T: +49 69 798-42100, Email) if they wish to use the room and have their access set up accordingly via their Goethe Card.  Please note that activation may take a few days. If you wish to use the room spontaneously, we recommend that you contact our Biologicum members by telephone or ask the doorman to open the room.

You will find further information about flexible and regular childcare on the homepage of the Family Service of the Goethe University (in German).