HM recognised as a ‘university with a strong commitment to gender equality’

The Hochschule München submitted its gender equality strategy for parity to the ‘Professorinnenprogramm 2030’ funding scheme, which is financed by the federal and state governments. It sets out in concrete terms the objectives and measures of the 2023 University Development Plan relating to the cross-cutting issue of equality. In addition to the programme funding, Munich University of Applied Sciences was awarded the title ‘University with a Strong Commitment to Gender Equality’ for its plan, which was presented at a ceremony.

Award ceremony for the title ‘University with a Strong Commitment to Gender Equality’
HM President Prof. Dr Martin Leitner welcomed those present at Munich University of Applied Sciences: ‘Equality is the prerequisite for a university characterised by solidarity and excellence.’ This statement by HM, taken from the 2023 University Development Plan, highlights the importance of equality for the university. The proportion of women among professors currently stands at 22 per cent. Nevertheless, a slow but steady upward trend is evident: just 15 years ago, only around 14 per cent of professorships were held by women. A long-term cultural shift is necessary to achieve parity in the future.

“One of the best gender equality strategies”
Dr. Annette Steinich, Ministerial Councillor and Head of the Division for Equal Opportunities and Diversity in Science and Research at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF), described the designation “University with a Strong Commitment to Gender Equality” as “a mark of quality and a promise to students”. The aim, she said, is to ensure that equality is “strengthened in a lasting and sustainable manner”. Steinich praised HM’s strategy, citing the jury’s statement, for its “continuous excellence in equality work” and as “one of the best equality strategies”. “To put equal opportunities into practice, we need universities like yours!” said the Ministerial Councillor.

Equality as a “prerequisite for excellence and innovative strength”
Head of Department Dr Rolf-Dieter Jungk from the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts (StMWK) referred to the current state of equality in society: “Women remain under-represented in top positions.” However, equality is “not just a matter of justice, but a prerequisite for excellence and innovation”. The Higher Education Innovation Act therefore sets out clear framework conditions: “Equality is an obligation for universities”. On behalf of Minister of State Markus Blume, Jungk congratulated the HM on its commitment: “Let us continue to shape this change with vigour!”

“Become allies of equality work!”
Prof. Dr. Elke Wolf, the HM’s Women’s Representative, who helped draw up the concept, outlined five building blocks for a university with a strong commitment to equality: “A clear equality strategy, a gender-sensitive university leadership, sufficient resources for equality work, processes that promote equality, and many allies of equality. The HM has enough of all these elements to convince the jury.” In conclusion, Wolf expressed the hope that the discourse on measures for equality – such as the cascade model – should be positive and fact-based. She noted that the legal framework for promoting equality at Bavarian universities is sound, but that this alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired impact. They must be implemented, and their impact must be repeatedly explained and justified. The ceremony was accompanied by the music ensemble led by Sebastian Pusch, director of the HM Big Band, who also played the piano, creating a jazzy atmosphere. He was supported by vocals from Regina Schreiber, a student on the Communication Design programme, and by Emanuel Liebich on the trumpet, a student on the Mechanical Engineering programme.

Women Professors Programme 2030
The federal and state-funded Women Professors Programme, designed to promote equality between women and men in science and research at German universities, was first launched in 2008. The current fourth phase of the programme runs until 2030 and has a total funding allocation of 320 million euros, based on a new federal-state agreement. Universities submit their respective ‘Plan for Parity’ as part of their application. The programme awards the new designation ‘University with a Strong Commitment to Equality’ to universities, which can then apply for funding to support a female early-career researcher.

Further information on this topic can be found on the HM website under the Equality section.


Christiane Taddigs-Hirsch/ Lilly Kebede