The UW/H took the German Diversity Day as an opportunity to highlight measures achieved in the area of diversity and inclusion, but also to make potential visible.
The introduction of gender-sensitive language, a parent-child room to better balance family and career, or the introduction of all-gender restrooms - these are some of the steps Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) has taken towards more diversity and inclusion. On the nationwide Diversity Day on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, the milestones achieved were shown, while also reflecting on the path taken. "We have already been able to implement some things, but we also heard at the event where important developments are still needed. I am pleased that we have such critical staff and students who stand up for their concerns and engage in constructive exchange," said Dr. Dirk Jakobs, Vice President for Organizational Development, summarizing the day from his perspective as organizer. And he called for just as much commitment to working on the further development of the goals.
By signing the Diversity Charter in March 2021, UW/H had set itself the goal of being a place to study and work where all people are treated with respect, appreciation and trust. And this regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity, or age. "For example, we also want to shape appointments in such a way that we actually have 30 percent female professors among lecturers by 2025," Dr. Jakobs, described the other goals.
The event also included a dialogue meeting with university members and a diversity market, with booths from groups and organizations. "We invited people to exchange ideas, with a thematic focus on anti-discrimination, equality, queer, disabilities and intercultural encounters," said Dr. Sigrun Caspary, Equality and Diversity Officer, outlining the day's actions.
Specifically, three UW/H employees gave a glimpse into their lives: An administrative assistant who has been blind since birth described her experience with accessibility in the university's buildings, among other things. A nursing student who is currently in the process of transitioning to womanhood shared her largely positive experience of "coming out." Finally, a medical doctor who was born and raised in Bangladesh but now researches and teaches in Witten. She reported on her initial difficulties with the willingness to converse with her in a very unique mixture of English and German.
In addition, the visitors to the event had the opportunity to have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in a dark café, i.e. a completely darkened room, and thus experience the everyday life of a blind person.