The deputies of the central equal opportunities officer at RUB represent all interests of women, as well as trans*, inter- and non-binary persons of students, employees in research, technology and administration and of professors.
For example, we work to ensure that new positions at the faculty are filled equally and raise awareness of issues such as discrimination and sexism. To this end, we are part of all application processes at the Faculty of Psychology, organize lectures and are a point of contact for advice.
It is important to us to actively stand up against all forms of discrimination. That's why we are the right people to contact if you have any questions, problems or need support.
Are you pregnant or have a child? Would you like to find out about support options at RUB? Are you affected by bullying or discrimination?
Are you interested in equality and feminism? Do you have suggestions or project ideas?
We are here for you.
In our Moodle course, we provide information on current topics and projects relating to gender equality at the department. It can be found under "Equality at the Faculty of Psychology". No password required!
Since October 2023, we have also been available via Instagram and report there on the equality work, current events and general information on the topic of feminism:
@gleichstellung_psy
A Women's General Assembly is held every semester. Here can also current problems be addressed and discussed. Once a year, the Women's Plenary Assembly also elects the Stundents' Equal Opportunities Officer.
Is there a skill you would like to master?
I would like to become more competent at discussing with people who want to be right.
What motivated you to become an equal opportunities officer?
I was motivated to work for equality at the Faculty of Psychology because I see the university as a democratic space whose basic pillars should be freedom, equality and diversity. This premise has guided my work over the years.
We - as an equal opportunities team - take action wherever we recognise barriers that specifically affect equal
opportunities for women and men within our faculty.
Are there people who inspire you (in terms of feminism/equality)?
Judith Butler *1956
Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the subversion of indentity (p. 61). New York: Routledge.
Her thesis is that not only the social gender ("gender") but also the biological ("sex") are socially constructed. Their sole function is to reinforce power relations within societies.
Central question: Why do physical characteristics provide us with categories that are so meaningful that they have defined societies, our thoughts and actions for centuries?
Which place would you like to travel to?
To the spectacular cliff of Trolltunga (Norway). It lies at altitude of 900 metres and has no fences and very rocky paths that require surefootedness and a head for heights.
Is there a skill you would like to master?
I would like to be able to dream lucidly. That means consciously recognising that you are dreaming and then being able to actively control the dream.
What motivated you to become an equal opportunities officer?
It was actually more by chance that I became an Equal Opportunities Officer. I spontaneously took part in the Women's Plenary Assembly and was very (negatively) surprised by some of the facts and statistics that were
presented there on the topic of equality at our faculty. As feminism has always been very important to me, I then
decided that I would like to get involved.
Are there people who inspire you (in terms of feminism/equality)?
One person who really fascinated me as a child (and still does today) and brought me into contact with the topic of feminism for the first time is Malala Yousafzai.
As an education activist, she has courageously campaigned for girls' right to education, especially in regions where education is often restricted. Malala is not only a symbolic figure for education rights, but also a strong voice for gender equality.
Her tireless efforts have been admired and recognised around the world and inspire people to stand up for educational equality and women's rights.
Which place would you really like to travel to?
I would love to travel to New York one day. Even though I don't think I'll like the city itself that much, New York is one of those cities that you simply have to experience for yourself.