More than 200 students, scientists, and specialists from universities, colleges, and companies in Germany and abroad are taking part in this year’s two summer schools for women in engineering and computer science. The participants and lecturers come from, among other countries, the United States, Russia, and Tunisia, with the majority being from German-speaking countries.
The organizers from the Kompetenzzentrum Frauen in Naturwissenschaft und Technik (“Competence Center for Women in Science and Technology”) at the University of Bremen have put together around 50 courses with specialist content in engineering and computer science. They range from introductory courses on the basics to specialized topics. In addition, excursions to research institutes, tech companies, and cultural institutions provide impressions of the state of Bremen and the northwestern part of Germany.
Companies Present Concepts
The organizers are focusing the tenth international summer university on the topic of gender policy and women in engineering. This is also reflected in the seminars: topics discussed include gender equality, technology, and ethics. As part of a special theme day on August 15, 2018, companies with gender-sensitive organizational concepts and personnel management strategies will present their practices beginning at 11 a.m.
Still Enthusiastic after 21 Years
Veronika Oechtering, scientific director of the Kompetenzzentrum Frauen in Naturwissenschaft und Technik and founder of the summer university, comments on this year’s program: “As part of the seminars, we also want to take a critical look at the working world, as many gender stereotypes persist in the field of technology and women are confronted with unequal treatment there in particular. The high level participation by female students with a nontechnical background who are very interested in programming, for example, is encouraging this year. Even after 21 years, I am still enthusiastic about the atmosphere during these three weeks in the MZH building. The atmosphere is excellent – despite the intense study and the extreme heat.”
Presentation of Best Practices
The special theme day on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, begins at 11 a.m. in the MZH building, Bibliothekstrasse 5, room 1470, with the welcome address by Professor Maren Petersen, Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Production Engineering at the University of Bremen. Stefanie Gebhardt from IG Metall Bremen will then speak about gender equality in the working world from a trade union perspective. The companies ArcelorMittal, Airbus, and BTC will inform about their best practices and answer the critical questions of the audience. The interested public is cordially invited.
“Working Women Obscured?”
Further lectures with top-class speakers are open to anyone who is interested. On Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at 5 p.m., in the MZH building, Bibliothekstrasse 5, the DGB Hamburg Chairwoman Katja Karger will discuss the issue of “the work of the future: a beautiful new working environment for everyone?” Her credo is that the mechanization of the working world is not a new phenomenon, but we are facing a new dimension: digitization is accelerating and intensifying employment. At the same time, it is making borders superfluous and changing both value-added as well as power structures. As a result, the working world will change decisively in all sectors. So far, however, the keyword “Industry 4.0” has primarily been used to discuss traditionally male occupations and sectors from the point of view of technological progress. The service sector, however, which is largely staffed by women, is still receiving little attention in the discussion. This not only obscures the experiences of many working women, but also pushes gender inequalities in the world of work by the wayside.”
Work and Digitization
In another public lecture on August 20, Judith Simon – Professor for Ethics in Information Technology at the University of Hamburg – will present approaches to understanding digital technologies and their effects on people and societies and discuss recent developments at the interface of big data and artificial intelligence.
Additional Information:
The entire program with all theme days and public lectures at https://www.ingenieurinnen-sommeruni.de/2018/programm/
Contact:
Henrike Illig
Kompetenzzentrum Frauen in Naturwissenschaft und Technik
University of Bremen
Tel.: +49 421 218-64467
E-mail: illigprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
