Subproject 1: Development of a common understanding of equal opportunities

Head: Dr. Birgid Langer, Equal Opportunity Officer for Science, TP Assistance: Sarah Wenz, Head of the Equal Opportunity Office.

In participatory workshops moderated by two proven external gender experts, reflections on the conceptual understanding of equal opportunities were held with various stakeholders within KIT - also with the participation of members of the Executive Board. The results of the subproject were recorded in a policy paper.

Subproject 1 was divided into 4 work packages:

Common understanding of equal opportunities at KIT

Equal opportunity serves as a guiding principle in all decisions and measures taken at KIT and is therefore an important management task. In concrete terms, KIT promotes equal opportunities for women and men as stipulated by law in the performance of its tasks and continuously works towards the elimination of disadvantages and discriminatory structures. A very important strategic goal is to significantly increase the proportion of women in management positions. This means that measures to promote women without stereotyping discrimination remain a priority. The actual implementation of equal opportunities is made possible at KIT by promoting each individual according to his or her personal starting situation, fair and equitable opportunities for all, and the dismantling of disadvantaging thought patterns and structures with the aim of equal distribution of opportunities for success. This is achieved through the use of equal opportunity measures as well as through continuous reflection on attitudes with regard to equal opportunity. The concept of equal opportunity is also extended to all genders.

Beyond the required legal mandate, the performance potentials of all people at KIT are proactively promoted. This represents the focus of diversity management at KIT, while equal opportunities for women and men focuses on the elimination of disadvantages and discriminatory structures. Common to both approaches is the principle of anti-discrimination.