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Equality in studies: Schwäbisch Gmünd provides new impetus!
The PH Schwäbisch Gmünd promotes equality and safety for female students with a self-assertion course.
Equality in studies: Schwäbisch Gmünd provides new impetus!
The Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education places a strong focus on the equality of female students and promotes their personal development as well as safe and self-determined studies. The university's equal opportunities department offers numerous practical support options, exchange formats and collaborations with external partners. Measures for self-assertion are a central part of the offer.
A current example of this is the self-assertion and self-assurance course that took place on June 16, 2025. Under the direction of WingTsun trainer Evelyn Ehrlich, 14 students took part in this three-hour training, which dealt with realistic dangerous situations. The participants learned strategies for protection and self-assertion and received valuable information on the legal basis of self-defense. The course was supported by Michael Ehrlich, the trainer's brother. All participants received a certificate for their participation, and due to high demand, the course was offered free of charge, made possible by additional funding. The feedback from the participants was consistently positive; many found the course valuable.
Sustainable equality work
The Equal Opportunities Department plans to launch further collaborations as well as new courses and events. The aim is to create a university culture in which female students feel safe, supported and visible. Topics such as equality are made visible in various formats, including the SHEROES Memory and the Irma Schmücker Prize.
In the context of equality for women in education, the equality plan of Saarland University is also important. This pursues the mandate of the State Equal Opportunities Act with the aim of creating and maintaining a gender-equitable university culture. The plan includes binding rules and targets that are specifically aimed at reducing structural disadvantages and promoting young female scientists. The compatibility of family and care work also plays a crucial role.
Challenges for women in society
Equality between men and women is not just a question of education, but also affects numerous other areas of life. According to Article 3 (2) of the Basic Law, equality is enshrined, but reality shows clear inequalities. A study by the Hans Böckler Foundation, for example, shows that women worked an average of 7.9 hours less than men in 2020. The gender pay gap was 18%, and women are severely underrepresented in leadership positions.
The challenges in balancing work and family are still great. While 63% of women without children work full-time, only 29% of women with children do so. The COVID-19 pandemic led to further regressions in equality as mothers were more likely to reduce their working hours. In this context, it is crucial to develop policies to improve equality. Suggestions include expanding child care and promoting flexible working time models.
Overall, it shows that the integration of gender and equality aspects is necessary not only in educational institutions but in society as a whole in order to achieve true equality and promote gender equality.