Irene Koch
Consultant at the Office for Gender Equality
1. In which areas am I active at the OVGU?
"One of my tasks is to further develop gender equality work at the OVGU in close cooperation with the central and decentralised gender equality officers and to advocate equal opportunities for all members of the university and to provide structural support for this process. I am the contact person for all gender equality issues, provide support through networking and public relations work and, in the future, help to establish a monitoring system for the evaluation of gender equality measures. In addition, I manage the financial support funds (travel funds for female scientists, final scholarships for doctoral candidates, etc.) and am involved in the Magdeburg Gender Campus.
2. What do I want to achieve with equality work?
"An ideal idea, of course, would be for everyone to have equal opportunities, equal access to resources such as education, etc., in the future. Of course, this is not very realistic, but I can do my best to at least pave the way a little. It would be great if equality were to become a matter of course that the arguments for it are louder than those who see it as something useless or a negative change, or who think that equality has long since been achieved. On the whole, I am pleased when equality work takes on a higher social and institutional significance."
3. What would I give to new colleagues in the field of equal opportunities?
"Patience, staying power, not taking headwinds personally and numerous networks are important. Equality work can be highly motivating, but it can also cost a lot of energy. Persistence, an open ear and many conversations are essential. But in general: "Welcome, your work is very important on so many levels and for so many people".
4. Where can you find me in my leisure?
"I usually travel with my family, in the countryside or on excursions to the region or beyond, also in convivial company with friends or simply relaxed at home."