Actively reduce gender biases and stereotypes
Implicit bias cannot be completely eliminated , but people can be sensitised to relevant issues under certain conditions , which can lead to a reduction in gender bias, for example. Support from the management level of an organisation is necessary in order to recognise and anchor the topic as a task and challenge for the entire organisation.
Actively reduce gender biases and stereotypes
Bias effects caused by conscious or unconscious gender-related stereotyping and prejudices have an impact on all decision-making processes and contribute to the gender gaps described above. They are often the background for the traditional division of care work in the family, in selection and promotion processes in academic appointments and even in research designs and results (see Gesis).
Role models and quotas
Making successful women visible as "role models" and expanding the diversity of perspectives through the participation of women in decision-making bodies or research teams - secured by quotas - are still among the measures recommended by leading scientific institutions to counteract gender biases in science and research.
In this context, Leopoldina (2022) and the DFG (2020) propose compensating for the higher burden on women due to committee work through research sabbaticals, reduced teaching loads or additional personnel resources.
Targeted promotion of the visibility of women
University reporting should explicitly reach out to qualified female researchers, and partnerships in which care work is shared equally and careers are mutually supported should be highlighted as role models (Leopoldina 2022).
Academic conferences and publications with no or only a marginal presence of women should not receive financial support, either within or outside higher education institutions (Leopoldina 2022).
The use of gender-sensitive language also undoubtedly plays an important role in this context, particularly, for example, the use of neutral terms for leadership positions rather than the generic masculine form.
A British study shows that gender biases exist, particularly in fields where women are no longer under-represented. This is especially true among those who believe that women already enjoy equal rights.
A good summary of anti-bias management measures can be found at Gesis.