The evening focused on the balance between assertiveness and firmness and compassionate leadership. With an impulse from Dr. Kathrin Färber (research associate at HNU and program manager of Frauen.Machen.Wissenschaft), personal experience reports and intensive discussion rounds, central aspects of female leadership were reflected upon:
- How is it possible to lead empathetically without losing authority?
- What action strategies can I pursue?
- What role do clear communication, emotional intelligence and personal attitude play?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for women in management positions?
The event offered space for an open exchange, personal reflection and mutual encouragement. In an open and trusting atmosphere, the participants were able to learn from each other, strengthen their networks and take away new ideas for their own career paths.
“The personal exchange with women who are in very different phases of their lives and careers - whether they are career starters, experienced managers or in the middle of their studies - was particularly enriching,” said Alicia Meese, a student at HNU, summing up the event. “It was precisely this diversity that made very different perspectives on the topic of leadership visible. It was inspiring to see how each individual deals with challenges such as assertiveness, self-doubt or the balancing act between demands and empathy - and how much we were able to take away from this for each other.”
Gender equality work at the HNU
The social change towards more equality needs accessible role models and the creative powers of everyone in studies and work. Women are still underrepresented in leadership positions and there is a lack of female role models. Network meetings with impulses from the experiences of women in leadership are therefore an important part of the gender equality strategy at HNU. The exchange with experienced female experts from the business world, with female academic staff and with female students from different faculties encourages participants to plan their careers with confidence.
Prof. Dr. Claudia Kocian-Dirr, HNU Representative for Gender Equality in Science and the Arts, is committed to promoting women at all levels of science. The digital participation of women is also of great importance to her. The gender equality programs at HNU promote personal and professional development and create spaces for constructive exchange. The activities address all academic target groups, from female students, lecturers and research assistants to female professors. Workshops for female students complement the measures, in particular to create the basis for equal opportunities in digital participation at an early stage.
Contact
Dr. Kathrin Färber
