Gender workshop at the University of Hildesheim: Research for all genders!

Gender workshop at the University of Hildesheim: Research for all genders!

The Gender Workshop at the University of Hildesheim is an important support offer for researchers that aims to integrate intersectional and gender aspects into academic research. The workshop is coordinated by Simone Tichter, an employee of the Center for Gender Studies. Historically, many areas of research have been heavily focused on male perspectives and their bodies - an example is the use of male crash test dummies or the one-sided view of heart attack research. However, in recent years there has been a shift in thinking that sees the integration of gender aspects in research as necessary to take into account the full range of human experiences.

Although awareness of gender issues has increased, many researchers find that they have difficulty implementing these aspects in their work. The Gender Workshop addresses this problem and offers various support measures, including workshops on the correct use of gender and the integration of gender dimensions in qualitative and quantitative studies. In addition, interaction opportunities, lectures, training and exchange rooms are part of the offer, which is aimed specifically at scientists in the qualification phase and those interested in doctoral studies.

Offers and goals of the gender workshop

The gender workshop is part of a cross-university network that also includes offerings from other institutions, such as the Braunschweig University of Applied Sciences. Planned activities for 2025 include rhetoric training with a focus on argumentation strategies for diversity as well as workshops dealing with the analysis of qualitative interviews. The workshop is funded, among other things, by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space and is in close connection with the graduate colleges at the University of Hildesheim. Prof. Dr. Britta Hoffarth, Professor of Gender and Educational Cultures, leads the gender workshop, while Diana Höhne collects data on the use and acceptance of the offers. Tichter encourages all researchers to use these valuable resources.

The term “gender” in English differs between biological sex (sex) and social sex (gender). In academic discussion, gender is viewed as gender “created” in interactions. In gender studies, gender roles and ideas about gender are culturally changeable and temporary. To ensure the quality of research, gender and diversity aspects should often be integrated into all areas of interdisciplinary work. This is recognized not only in the social sciences, but also in the natural, technical and engineering sciences, where gendered innovations are seen as a necessary addition.

Gender studies in focus

In a broader context, the relevance of gender studies, which includes women's, gender and feminist research, is underlined by new academic platforms. At the beginning of 2020, the research platform “Ambivalent In_visibilities” will be launched at the University of Vienna, which examines interdisciplinary gender research with the aim of making social, cultural and political changes visible. This platform is led by Elisabeth Holzleithner and Sabine Grenz, who acts as co-principal investigator. Grenz emphasizes the urgency of shedding light on social inequalities, income differences and the marginalization of women in science.

The master's program in Gender Studies at the University of Vienna not only teaches students the theoretical and methodological basics of gender research. Rather, practical skills are also promoted in order to develop gender-reflected solutions. These efforts are of great importance in a world characterized by challenges such as climate change, digitalization and migration in order to ensure the participation of all members of society.

In conclusion, it can be said that the influence of gender issues in research can no longer be ignored and that programs such as the gender workshop at the University of Hildesheim and the initiatives at the University of Vienna make a decisive contribution to the development of inclusive and fairer science.