Gender Equality
The University of Hamburg is committed to fostering a diverse, discrimination-free environment for studying and working. This includes the equal treatment of all genders as well as the prevention and elimination of gender-based discrimination.
Advocacy for women’s equality in higher education remains an essential part of this effort. Although the number of female students exceeds that of male students in many disciplines, the proportion of women decreases at each level of academic advancement. Depending on the field, these disparities can be significant. Gender equality, in this context, involves advocating for a higher representation of women at all levels of academic careers, promoting women’s participation in university committees, and combating sexual discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Acknowledging that there are more than 2 genders—men and women—is vital to this work. Gender is understood as a social construction tied to various attributions, roles, and expectations. Gender identity refers to an individual’s affiliation with a particular gender, which may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Individuals can identify as transgender, intersexual, or nonbinary (TIN*).
Many trans, intersex, and nonbinary people experience discrimination in everyday life due to their gender identity, such as the use of incorrect names and pronouns, insults, or even physical violence. In academic settings, unintentional “outing” can occur, for instance, when seminar participant lists include “deadnames” (birth names no longer in use) that are read aloud without consulting TIN* students.
Sexual orientation, distinct from gender identity, encompasses identification with one’s own sexuality, erotic and romantic attraction, and lived sexual experiences. These aspects are deeply personal and vary for every individual. Nevertheless, many people still face discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation.
Terms such as “queer” or “LGBTIQA*” are often used to describe groups that differ from hetero- and cisnormativity¹. It is crucial to recognize the distinctions within these dimensions to avoid conflating them. LGBTIQA*, or LSBTIQA* in German, stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, and asexual. The asterisk or plus symbol represents additional identities and orientations.
Gender equality must also be approached intersectionally, meaning that forms of discrimination can interact and intensify each other. For example, Black women or queer individuals with disabilities may face heightened discrimination. Measures to counteract such issues must take multiple forms of discrimination into account.
At the University of Hamburg, gender equity work encompasses increasing the proportion of women in professorships, combating sexual discrimination, and ensuring discrimination-free academic documentation.
Legal framework
The University of Hamburg has committed to combating gender-based discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation through its Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Directives. These commitments are also mandated by the General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) and the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz, GG). Additionally, the Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz, SBGG) replaces the outdated Transsexual Act (Transsexuellengesetz), removing many discriminatory bureaucratic hurdles for TIN* individuals.
¹Heteronormativity refers to the societal framework that assumes heterosexuality as the norm and default sexual orientation, positioning all others as deviations. This perspective reinforces roles, stereotypes, laws and thus structural discrimination. “Cis” describes the alignment between an individual’s gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. “Cisnormativity” refers to the societal focus on cisgender identities, which contributes to marginalization and (structural) discrimination against TIN* individuals.