Equal opportunities

The goal of achieving gender equality is an integral part of the institutional strategy of the Leibniz-IZW. We are convinced that equal opportunities should be provided to all persons regardless of gender. Already in 2008, the Leibniz Association, as first of the non-university science organisations, enacted the “Research-oriented standards on gender equality” of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in its constitution to warrant equal opportunities for women and men. One particular goal is to improve career access, advancement and conditions for women to ensure a gender balance in leadership positions.

In the past ten years the Leibniz-IZW achieved a balanced gender proportion in its leadership positions. In 2011 a working group comprising members of all levels of staff was established and headed by the institute’s representatives for gender equality. The group discussed and challenged a range of aspects of gender equality concerning the institute. The results of these efforts are implemented in a novel obligatory operating agreement of the IZW and reflected in the institute's successful application for the “Total E-Quality“ certificate in 2011. In 2021, this title has been awarded a fourth time to the IZW.

The IZW is strongly committed to the goals of gender equality and the work-life-balance of its employees. Driven jointly by the management, the workers council and the Gender Equality representatives, the Leibniz-IZW enhances the support for staff with young children or family members in need of care as an essential prerequisite promoting successful careers of women. We offer flexible hours, mobile office days and part-time solutions to accommodate the needs of employees in different family situations. A family, work and meditation room is available for parents requiring ad hoc child care. In 2019, a health management system was established at the institute.

Gender equality plan of the Leibniz-IZW

The gender equality plan of the Leibniz-IZW is available for download as PDF file:

>> Gender equality plan of the Leibniz-IZW (in German)

Gender equality plan of the Forschungsverbund Berlin

The Leibniz-IZW is also committed to the Gender equality plan of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., (Berlin Research Alliance, FVB). Click here to download this document as PDF file:

>> Gender equality plan of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.

Gender equality representatives

Gender Equality representatives may be contacted for:

  • Advice and support for all employees concerning gender equality,
  • Information on special programs for career development for women,
  • Cases of discrimination and sexual harassment,
  • Wishes, ideas, suggestions around equal opportunities

Juliane Kühne
Tel: +49(0)30 5168420
E-Mail: kuehne@izw-berlin.de

Josepha Prügel
Tel: +49(0)30 5168127
E-Mail: pruegel@izw-berlin.de