Under the motto of the city of Regensburg ‘Solidarity - Diversity - Strength’, experts discussed socially relevant topics relating to equality and gender equality. The presentations met with great interest and attracted a diverse audience that actively participated in the discussions.
Occasion and history of 8 March
The first International Women's Day was celebrated in Germany as early as 1911 by social democrats and trade unionists who campaigned for women's right to vote and stand for election, maternity and labour protection and the eight-hour working day. The day of action originates from the social democratic women's labour movement and still carries some of these values with it today. Although much has been achieved in Germany since then, 8 March remains one of the key days in terms of equality and gender justice.
Diverse presentations and lively discussions
From OTH Regensburg, Nina Vischer and Kyra Schneider (Faculty of Social and Health Sciences) spoke about digital violence against women and how this form of violence is often underestimated. Jessica Hoyer (OTH Regensburg, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences) addressed the growing challenges for gender equality work and gender research in the face of socio-political developments.
Dr Birgit Bockschweiger (UR) spoke about the construction of ‘masculinity’ in society and the media and the effects of patriarchal structures on male self-image. Dr Bockschweiger particularly impressively exposed the myth of ‘false accusations’ as just that: a myth that distorts the reality of sexualised violence. Professor Dr Astrid Ensslin (UR) shed light on the representation of female bodies in social media and the opportunities offered by the FemTech sector.
In her presentation, chemist Anna Tiefel (UR) highlighted the structural discrimination and invisibilisation of women in the (natural) sciences and called for the proactive promotion of female researchers. Katharina Asen-Molz's (UR) contribution on the necessity of feminist education for primary school children centred on much earlier phases of life. However, parents and family members can also contribute to gender-equitable socialisation with small gestures (keyword: microfeminism).
The audience was a colourful mix and stimulated discussions with interesting questions that provided further perspectives.
OTH Regensburg as an equal opportunities player
OTH Regensburg is continuously committed to equality and equal opportunities. The keynote speeches provided a valuable opportunity to make key topics visible and encourage those present to reflect. The collaboration with the University and the City of Regensburg facilitated networking and knowledge transfer and made an important contribution to the endeavours to create a fairer and more diverse urban society.
Special thanks go to our colleagues at the City of Regensburg's Office for Equal Opportunities for their commitment in organising and making this day of action on 8 March possible.
