Gender Equality and Diversity

in Business Administration and Economics

Equal opportunities to study and work

Equal study and work opportunities characterise the profile of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. The Faculty's Equal Opportunities Officer is therefore committed to equality, work-life balance, equal opportunities and mutual appreciation.

News

Children's vacation camp summer 2026

During the summer vacations, the Central Equal Opportunities Officer at Paderborn University is once again organizing a children's holiday camp for children of students and employees of Paderborn University. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 can take part. The vacation camps will take place from 20- 24July and from 27- 31 July 2026.

International Lecture Series: ‘Cultural Perspectives on Gender’

Entitled “Cultural Perspectives on Gender”, the Faculty of Cultural Studies’ international lecture series for the summer semester of 2026 will explore the topic of “gender” from interdisciplinary and international perspectives. The lecture series will take place on Wednesday, 8 July, from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Inclusive Get-Together

On 21 April 2026, the Service Centre for Students with Disabilities, in collaboration with the AstA Social Office, is organising an action day against racism with interactive stands and an inclusive get-together in the foyer of the University Library from 11:00 to 14:00 on Tuesday 16 June at 18:00.

Lecture on "Parenting Skills as the Foundation of Modern Leadership"

On 18 May 2026, Elisabeth Tophinke will give a talk on the topic "Parenting skills as the foundation of modern leadership – perspectives for career development and the workplace of tomorrow". The talk will take place from 12 noon to 1 pm via Zoom.

Lecture series: ‘A School for All – Educational Perspectives for a Diverse Society’

The lecture series “School for All – Educational Perspectives for a Diverse Society” begins on 21 April 2026 and takes place on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 6 pm in the O2 Lecture Theatre. It is aimed at teacher training students and anyone else interested, and presents various perspectives from both academic and practical fields.

Programme to prevent anti-Semitism

On 8–9 July 2026, workshops on “The Middle East conflict and Israel-related anti-Semitism” will take place. The event offers input and discussion with ADIRA speakers for those looking to strengthen their skills in this area.

International Lecture Series: ‘Cultural Perspectives on Gender’

Every Wednesday, the international lecture series ‘Cultural Perspectives on Gender’: ‘Culture, Gender and Online Aggression’ takes place in Lecture Theatre O1 in English for anyone interested.

Opportunities in the ‘Careers in Science’ section

On 10 July 2026, a face-to-face training session on appointment procedures will take place from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm at the University of Paderborn, led by Franziska Jantzen. The number of participants is limited to 12. Further information on opportunities in the area of ‘Careers as a Female Researcher’ can be found under ‘Learn more’.

Equality

The Equal Opportunities Officer of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics represents the interests of female students, non-academic staff, academic staff and professors. The Equal Opportunities Officer's tasks include ensuring equal rights for women and men in all status groups, providing advice and support in cases of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination, and working to promote the compatibility of family, studies and career.

The areas of responsibility include in particular

Equality between women and men at our faculty
Attending faculty meetings
Providing advice on appointment and recruitment procedures
Participating in the Family-Friendly University audit
Contributing to and supporting the development and implementation of the Women’s Advancement Plan
Developing equality plans and equality policies
Providing advice to staff and students

If you have any questions or problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. Suggestions and ideas are also very welcome.

Gleichstellung WiWi — Gender Equality and Diversity Business Administration and Diversity

Further links on equal opportunities

Framework plan for equality UPB (2024) Equal opportunities plan WiWi (2025) Data and figures from Paderborn University

Gender Report NRW 2025 General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) NRW State Equal Opportunities Act

Diversity

The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics regards the diversity of its members as a special potential. Our students and employees are characterised by diversity in age, gender, gender identity, social background, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, physical and mental abilities, ethnic origin and nationality. We want to promote and utilise this diversity of personalities.

Equal opportunities, appreciation and respect for all faculty members are among the core points of our shared value orientation and form the basis for the organisation of study and working conditions at our faculty.

Further links to Diversity

Guidelines for respectful cooperation Online handout "Sexualised discrimination and violence at universities" Basic dos and don'ts for solidarity with trans*, inter* and non-binary people

Information for Students

Peer mentoring "Einblick!" for female students

The peer mentoring programme "Einblick!" offers female graduates and students in the final phase of studies the opportunity to discuss the prospect of a doctorate with other female students. A doctoral candidate accompanies the participants as a mentor, reports from her own experience and provides support in the decision-making process.

One-to-one meetings and individual coaching

News studies show that many students find it difficult to find their own learning rhythm and develop good time management, especially at the beginning of their studies. This often leads to excessive demands and stress. To prevent these difficulties, the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics offers WiWi coaching.

Compatibility of studying and parenthood

The compatibility of studying and parenthood raises many questions. Questions about financing your studies and organising your studies with a child already arise during pregnancy. But many parents are also concerned about organising and financing childcare even before their child is born.

Compatibility of care responsibilities and studies

Students with family responsibilities have the opportunity to complete coursework and examinations within an extended processing time if necessary (family paragraph). Students can also take a leave of absence from their studies to care for close relatives who have already been awarded a degree of care.

Parent-child room (library)

For parents belonging to the university, the group study room on level 4 (BI4.099) is (also) equipped as a parent-child room. Work tables with power connections for notebooks are available for parents and there is seating, books and toys for the children.

Childcare at Paderborn University

Paderborn University provides parents who study or work at Paderborn University with various childcare options to help them balance their studies and family life. In addition to two university daycare centers, there is also a short-term childcare facility (PUKi), "substitute grandparents" and the Kangaroo Project.

Information for Graduates and Doctoral Candidates

Institution of a 0.5 WiMi position / human resources pool for female graduates (funding line 1)

In order to support the best female graduates, the Presidential Board of Paderborn University has institutionalised a pool of personnel funds as part of the implementation of the equal opportunities concept, from which it is possible to finance approx. 5 half positions for academic staff per year as start-up funding for the development of a doctoral thesis topic for 1 year

Funding line 1 (PDF)

Travel grants for conferences, study visits and research trips

To support early-career researchers, the Research Commission provides funding for conference attendance, information-gathering and research trips. Applications for travel grants may be submitted by junior lecturers, research assistants, scholarship holders and PhD students at the University of Paderborn.

Mentoring programme for female doctoral candidates

The aim of the Paderborn mentoring programme is to support female doctoral candidates during their doctorate and to network them across disciplines. The programme makes it possible to get to know, concretise and carefully examine the options of a career in science and academia with the help of experienced mentors.

Certificate programme: Qualification for professional fields in business and society

The new NRW certificate programme is designed to help you prepare for fields of activity outside the university. These include activities in business and society, but also activities at universities of applied sciences and non-university research institutions.

Reconciling work and parenthood

The compatibility of family and career raises many questions. Questions about maternity protection and financial benefits during this time already arise during pregnancy. But many parents-to-be are also concerned about parental leave and parental allowance even before their child is born.

Compatibility of caring responsibilities and career

Caring for relatives is a major challenge for employees in terms of time, physical and mental health. Reconciling caring responsibilities with work requires flexibility in terms of time and individual solutions for organising working hours.

Childcare at Paderborn University

Paderborn University provides parents who study or work at Paderborn University with various childcare options to help them balance their work and family life. In addition to two university daycare centers, there is also a short-term childcare facility (PUKi), "substitute grandparents" and the Kangaroo Project.

Information for Junior Professors and Postdocs

Support for female Junior Professors and Postdocs with a 0.5 WiMi position (funding line 2)

In order to support female junior professors and postdoctoral researchers at Paderborn University, the President's Office has institutionalised a pool for WiMi positions as part of the implementation of the gender equality concept.

Funding line 2 (PDF)

Funding for research projects

Funds from the Research Commission may be used to support personnel and material costs associated with an application for external funding or a small-scale project. Applicants must hold at least a PhD. The application justification should in particular highlight the benefits for the faculty and, where possible, for early-career researchers.

Collegial coaching for female scientists in the Post-Doc phase

As part of the peer coaching, you will have time and space to set specific goals and work on these goals in dialogue with the other group members, learn new ways and celebrate successes. In addition to this personal goal development, you will train your counselling and communication skills in interaction with each other.

Certificate programme: Qualification for professional fields in business and society

The new NRW certificate programme is designed to help you prepare for fields of activity outside the university. These include activities in business and society, but also activities at universities of applied sciences and non-university research institutions.

Reconciling work and parenthood

The compatibility of family and career raises many questions. Questions about maternity protection and financial benefits during this time already arise during pregnancy. But questions about parental leave and parental allowance also concern many parents-to-be even before the birth of their child.

Compatibility of caring responsibilities and career

Caring for relatives is a major challenge for employees in terms of time, physical and mental health. Reconciling caring responsibilities with work requires flexibility in terms of time and individual solutions for organising working hours.

Childcare at Paderborn University

Paderborn University provides parents who study or work at Paderborn University with various childcare options to help them balance their work and family life. In addition to two university daycare centers, there is also a short-term childcare facility (PUKi), "substitute grandparents" and the Kangaroo Project.

Information for Professors

Incentive system to increase the proportion of women in professorships (funding line 3)

As part of the implementation of the gender equality concept, the Presidential Board has institutionalised an "incentive system to increase the proportion of women in professorships" to promote young female academics. Upon application, up to €30,000 can be made available to the appointing faculty for gender equality measures for each appointment accepted.

Funding line 3 (PDF)

Reconciling work and parenthood

The compatibility of family and career raises many questions. Questions about maternity protection and financial benefits during this time already arise during pregnancy. But many parents-to-be are also concerned about parental leave and parental allowance even before their child is born.

Compatibility of caring responsibilities and career

Caring for relatives is a major challenge for employees in terms of time, physical and mental health. Reconciling caring responsibilities with work requires flexibility in terms of time and individual solutions for organising working hours.

Childcare at Paderborn University

Paderborn University provides parents who study or work at Paderborn University with various childcare options to help them balance their work and family life. In addition to two university daycare centers, there is also a short-term childcare facility (PUKi), "substitute grandparents" and the Kangaroo Project.

Information for non-scientific employees

Internal training and further education

The varied course programme is aimed at all employee groups and fields at Paderborn University. The courses on offer cover the areas of communication, leadership, work techniques and self-management, health and safety, administration and organisation, information technology, family and equality as well as career planning.

Reconciling work and parenthood

The compatibility of family and career raises many questions. Questions about maternity protection and financial benefits during this time already arise during pregnancy. But many parents-to-be are also concerned about parental leave and parental allowance even before their child is born.

Compatibility of caring responsibilities and career

Caring for relatives is a major challenge for employees in terms of time, physical and mental health. Reconciling caring responsibilities with work requires flexibility in terms of time and individual solutions for organising working hours.

Childcare at Paderborn University

Paderborn University provides parents who study or work at Paderborn University with various childcare options to help them balance their work and family life. In addition to two university daycare centers, there is also a short-term childcare facility (PUKi), "substitute grandparents" and the Kangaroo Project.

Scholarship listing

A comprehensive list of available scholarships offers students the opportunity to find financial support or targeted funding programmes for their academic career.

Click here to open the scholarship overview.

Security service for women

Paderborn University offers a range of safety services specifically for women, which can be used especially in the evenings and at weekends. These on offers include:

1. escort service

From 20:00 to 24:00 it is possible to be accompanied from the university campus to the car park or bus stop.

2. body alarm devices

A body alarm device can be borrowed from the University Library.

3. reading workstations for women

Reading workstations for women are available in the library from 20:00 to 24:00.

Detailed information on the security services and their use can be found here.

Contact us

Gleichstellung Wirtschaftswissenschaften

Paderborn University
Warburger Str. 100
33098 Paderborn

Send E-Mail Directions

The team of the Equal Opportunities Office

Saskia Happ, M.Ed.

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - A. A. Milne (1928)

More about the person

Anita Langemann

More about the person

Kim Lea Homisse

More about the person

Further contacts

Central Equal Opportunities Officer

Topics, institutions and programmes relevant to gender equality as well as support measures are presented here. You will also find information about equality-related measures and activities at Paderborn University. (Dr Annika Hegemann: annika.hegemann@uni-paderborn.de)

Maternity and parental leave

Here you will find information on maternity and parental leave. (Dr Birgit Kocks / Dr Sebastian Buck: familie@wiwi.upb.de)

FamilyServiceOffice

The Family Service Office is a counselling centre for students and employees of Paderborn University and supports you in reconciling studies/work and family life. (Dipl. Päd. Barbara Pickhardt: barbara.pickhardt@upb.de)

Diversity Officer

Laura Maring (laura.maring@upb.de)

Contacts for people with disabilities

Here you will find support in applying for compensation for disadvantages, accessibility of rooms, orientation aids, needs-based implementation of stays abroad and internships and much more (Kathrin Weber: kathrin.weber@uni-paderborn.de)

Counselling and complaints at Paderborn University

The Equal Opportunities Office has compiled an overview of internal options for action in cases of discrimination and harassment at UPB, a list of contact points for those affected, a memory protocol for those affected and witnesses and a discussion and action guide for contact persons and counsellors.