Through workshops, events and networking opportunities, the Gender Equality Team aims to make diverse perspectives more visible and encourage participation from all members of the department. The team supports students, researchers and administrative-technical staff in promoting equal opportunities and is committed to increasing the representation of women in underrepresented areas. At the same time, it serves as a point of contact for broader equality and inclusion matters, taking into account ethnic origin, cultural and religious backgrounds, gender diversity, and other aspects of diversity.

The new team consists of:

• Agnes Engelter, Research Associate at Energy Information Networks & Systems (EINS)
• Helena Sax, Research Associate at Energy Information Networks & Systems (EINS)
• Maria Rizou, staff member in the Dean’s Office and long-standing departmental Gender Equality Officer
• Merle Backmeyer, Research Associate at the Institute for Accelerator Engineering and Electromagnetic Fields (TEMF)

What motivates the team members

The four team members share the goal of actively promoting equal opportunities and diversity within the department. At the same time, each of them brings individual experiences and areas of focus to the work of the Gender Equality Team.

For Agnes Engelter, role models in engineering are particularly important. She aims to contribute to an environment in which everyone feels welcome at the department, and in which no interested schoolgirl has to question whether she belongs in electrical engineering.

Helena Sax was herself inspired to study electrical engineering at etit through a workshop for school pupils. Today, she is committed to encouraging young people to pursue engineering and to strengthening the participation of underrepresented groups, including international students and staff as well as people with disabilities.

Maria Rizou has been actively involved as a departmental Gender Equality Officer for several years. Her aim is to help shape equal opportunities and to support the sustainable development of related initiatives within the department.

Merle Backmeyer is particularly concerned with addressing structural inequalities. She aims to make diverse lived experiences visible, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment in study and work contexts.

Together, the four members aim to help create an environment in which all members of the department feel welcome, can develop their full potential, and enjoy equal opportunities.

The Gender Equality Team looks forward to engaging with students, staff and faculty members and is available as a point of contact for questions, ideas and suggestions relating to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further information about the team’s goals, projects and activities can be found on the department’s Gender Equality webpage.

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