The proportion of women in management positions at German universities is growing, but remains significantly underrepresented in faculty management. This is shown by the current data report on gender equality in university committees of the Competence Center Women in Science and Research (CEWS) at GESIS.

In 2023, 31 percent of rectors and presidents at German universities were women, which corresponds to 133 out of about 430 universities. In the entire university management, including vice presidents, vice-rectors and chancellors, the proportion of women was 35 percent. Since 2000, when only 22 women served as rectors or presidents, this proportion has increased significantly, especially since 2007. In university councils and senates, the proportion of women is now over 40 percent, with the number of university councils rising from 20 percent to 41 percent since 2003.

However, the representation of women in faculty management remains low. Less than a quarter of the faculties are headed by women, with the proportion of female deans being less than the proportion of female professors. The proportion of women is particularly low at state universities at 22 percent, while it is 32 percent at private universities and 38 percent at church universities.

The analysis shows that political guidelines and targeted decisions have a greater influence on the proportion of women in university management and university councils than the proportion of female professors. In senates and faculty managements, on the other hand, the participation of women is more closely related to the number of female scientists at the respective university.

The CEWS data report is based on data from the Federal Statistical Office for University Principals and University Councils as well as on its own surveys of senates and faculty heads, which are carried out every three years at all German universities. It differs in its comprehensive consideration of all types of higher education institutions, sponsors and federal states.

Original Paper:

CEWS/publik – Studies and Data Reports on Gender Equality in Science and Research | GESIS

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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