Working basis

What determining factors are shaping gender equality at universities today? The statutory basis found in the Hessian Equal Rights Act (HGIG) has been extensively broadened in the past years through the German Research Foundation’s research-oriented standards on gender equality and the requirements set down by the Programme for Women Professors of the Federal Government and the German States. In addition to the statutory basis, other requirements have arisen which have a significant impact on gender equality at institutes of higher education and in science.

Gender Equality Plan

The Gender Equality Plan presents the TU Darmstadt Gender Equality Strategy, the objectives derived of it and its resulting policies and activities. Its intention is to illustrate general conditions and framework, and central gender equality policies of TU Darmstadt. It addresses all members of the University and is equally intended for internal and external use.

Gender Equality Plan (opens in new tab)

Legal basis for promoting women

The aim of the Hessian Equal Rights Act is to make equal opportunities for men and women a reality, to improve the compatibility of work and family, and to eliminate the existing underrepresentation of women in the public sector. Until this has been achieved, the conditions for access and advancement for women and women’s working conditions will be improved by promoting women’s career options based on plans for the advancement of women with binding objectives.

The participation of women is especially desired in those areas where women are underrepresented. In order to achieve a proportionately equal participation of women, women can be given preference when equally qualified. According to Section 5 AGG (General Equal Treatment Act), unequal treatment is permissible where suitable and appropriate measures are adopted to prevent or compensate for disadvantages arising on any of the grounds referred to under Section 1 AGG.