Gender Equality Office
Gender Equality Office
The University of Oldenburg is committed to equal opportunities and actively promotes gender equality in academia, student life, technology and administration. As the Chief Gender Equality Officer, I work alongside the Departmental Gender Equality Officers and the team at the Central Gender Equality Office to promote gender equality and the advancement of women, as well as to address issues of discrimination against women in their various life situations at our university. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours, Anne G. Kosfeld, Chief Gender Equality Officer
Latest news
The Central Gender Equality Office’s Summer Party 2026
On 23 June 2026, the Central Gender Equality Office invites you to this year’s summer party in the BIS Hall from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
Under the title ‘Power. Responsibility. Excellence. – Perspectives for the Science of the Future’, participants can look forward to a varied programme featuring a play by Stephanie Trapp and an interview with Prof. Dr Helmut Hillebrand (spokesperson for the ‘Ocean Floor’ cluster of excellence).
On-site childcare and live English interpretation will be available during the event.
We look forward to an afternoon of interesting insights, stimulating discussions and opportunities to meet and network!
Workshop: Acting together - strengthening democratic university culture and counteracting gender backlash
Carl von Ossietzky University Forum - Science and Democracy
In-person workshop "Acting together - strengthening democratic university culture and counteracting gender backlash"
When: Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Registration: Stud.IP
As part of our Carl von Ossietzky University Forum - Science and Democracy, we cordially invite you to our workshop. Together we would like to critically examine current anti-democratic developments and discuss what responsibility universities bear and what opportunities for action are available at our university to strengthen democracy, diversity and scientific freedom.
Further information can be found here.
Past
International Women's Day 2026
International Women's Day on 8 March stands for a global commitment to equal rights, equal opportunities and the visibility of women in society, science and the world of work. It is a reminder of the progress that has been made, but also draws attention to existing inequalities and invites people to talk together about necessary changes.
Our university once again took part in International Women's Day in 2026. To accompany this, we have developed a digital information programme with a video message from Prof Dr Katharina Al-Shamery, Vice President for Academic Career Paths, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs. Our offer provides space for information, exchange and reflection.
Kick-off for the Orange Days: Together against violence against women!
All members of the university community are invited to drop by the information stand in the canteen foyer at the Haarentor campus on 25 November. There, you can not only find out more about the background to the day of action and the work of the Central Gender Equality Office, but also get involved yourself: a hands-on activity invites you to take a personal stand against violence. Every participant helps to raise awareness of the issue – both within the university and beyond.
Violence against women affects us all – including within the university context. By looking out for one another, offering support and taking action together, we strengthen a university culture characterised by respect, equality and safety for all.
Greeting from Mrs Al-Shamery on the occasion of International Women's Day 2025
and new digital information offering
To mark International Women's Day 2025, we have created a digital information service on our website that offers a special insight into current Gender equality issues. The offer is opened by a greeting from Ms Al-Shamery, Vice President for Academic Career Paths, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs. Ms Al-Shamery provides an exciting start to exploring the challenges and opportunities in the area of Gender equality. In her video message, she discusses the progress that has already been made, yet emphasises that International Women's Day is still necessary to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. In the face of backward-looking developments, she emphasises the importance of a continued commitment to Gender equality and equal opportunities, as it is the responsibility of all of us to remain in solidarity and fight for a fairer future.
In addition, you will find content that shows new ways in which gender equality issues can be tackled today, both on an individual and structural level. Our aim is to create a platform that encourages reflection and at the same time provides inspiration for concrete action.
Leaky pipeline remains a major challenge
Gender Equality Monitor Science and Research (2022/2023)
"The figures from the current Gender Equality Monitor make it clear that the gender gap at the highest levels of our academic system remains large. The proportion of women in professorships is currently less than a third. It is therefore a good thing that the federal and state governments are jointly promoting gender equality at universities with the Female Professors Programme 2030. Equal opportunities for all genders are an important quality feature for a forward-looking and internationally competitive science system. The results of the Gender Equality Monitor are a mandate not only to continue the existing gender equality measures, but also to further intensify them."