Gender Equality is about ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men and are not treated differently or discriminated against because of their gender.

Diversity is about taking into account the differences between people and groups of people and attaching positive value to these differences. The six Dimensions of diversity that are referred to as core dimensions are: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. So, gender is one of the diversity dimensions.

Current figures on the proportion of women at TU Wien and the proportion of women in individual fields of study and faculties can be found under this link.

Targeted measures are needed to avoid and eliminate systematic and structural discrimination against women in research admission procedures. Here are a few tips that you should bear in mind, regarding your job advertisements:

  • Use gender-neutral language and avoid gender-related adjectives, as these often discourage women from applying for certain jobs. To keep your job descriptions gender-neutral, pay attention to the adjectives you use and stick to factual words that describe the job and the skills required for the role.
  • Limit requirements - If you are looking for the ultimate all-in-one candidate, this often leads to the self-exclusion of women who do not see themselves as suitable.
  • State family friendly benefits – you find all TU Wien offers at https://www.tuwien.at/tu-wien/organisation/zentrale-bereiche/personalentwicklung/vereinbarkeit-tu-kids
  • Express commitment to diversity. This doesn't have to be long-winded, but it will make all potential applicants feel included and encourage them to apply.  The more specific you can be, the better.

Some further reading on recruiting: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02489-w, opens an external URL in a new window

 

Preventing discrimination against people and improving equal opportunities are at the heart of our interactions with one another and our environment. This also means that we learn from history by critically examining our past. We actively speak out against discrimination and promote equal opportunities. (Source: TU Wien Homepage)

TU Wien commits itself to the career advancement of women and to creating positive and career-enhancing conditions for women. It therefore sees it as a joint task of all members of the university to achieve the objective that women and men at TU Wien have opportunities to develop according to their qualifications and that any existing discrimination against women is eliminated or counterbalanced. The actual equal treatment of women and men and the career advancement of women shall be appropriately reflected in the human-resource policy of TU Wien, in particular the strengthening of gender competences of all members of TU Wien, in research and teaching as well as in the distribution of resources. (Source: Career Advancement Plan for Women at TU Wien, opens in new window)

For research projects of the European Union, you will need the document "Proof of Compliance to Horizon Europe's Gener Equality Plan Requirements", opens in new window.

Measures can be implemented for the entire team as well as specifically for female team members. A mixture that focuses not only on women but also on the entire team is recommended. 

  • In the first year of your project, organize a gender training for the entire team with a focus on teamwork. Suggestions for trainers can be obtained from the Gender Equality Office.
  • All team members should complete the diversity e-learning courses offered by TU Wien.
  • Encourage all team members to participate in HR programmes (see below)
  • Female team members can be encouraged to join the female network of your faculty.

Diversity e-Learnings

With the e-learning courses developed especially for TU Wien on the topics of "Sexual Harassment at Work and Study", "Unconscious Bias" and "Diversity Basics", an intensive and critical exploration of this topic is encouraged. The three courses are about taking an honest look behind these terms, clarifying legal issues, and sharpening your sense of what discrimination means. You get a gift with these courses: the opportunity for self-reflection.

Guidelines to dealing with Sexism and Sexual Harassment, opens in new window:

The guideline sets out a clear policy as well as concrete preventive measures and steps to be taken in the event of sexual harassment. It is intended to support all TU members in dealing with this sensitive issue and to provide them with concrete recommendations for action. All existing contact points, concrete steps to be taken and legally relevant regulations are included.

Work life balance:

TU Wien offers a range of measures to help parents and family carers achieve a healthy work-life balance. The measures range from flexitime agreements and up to 60% home office options to childcare services and special incentives for fathers to take parental leave.

TU Wien offers a number of programmes for our young scientists to support this special target group in identifying and achieving their professional and personal goals: