The round-table event “Equality on the Table” is still being talked about.
Staff, researchers and guests gathered at the University of Kassel for a series of discussions to talk about the current state of gender equality at the university and the way forward. The focus was on the question: What is the current state of gender equality – and what lies ahead as societal headwinds grow stronger?
What was particularly fascinating was the intersection of two worlds: institutional gender equality work on the one hand – shaped by structures, responsibilities and formal frameworks – and gender studies on the other, which uses an empirical approach and deconstructive methods to challenge and rethink gender categories.
Different ways of thinking, different frameworks and roles, different languages – but that is precisely where the potential lies: when these come together in earnest, sustainable partnerships can emerge. This is particularly necessary in times of multiple crises. For gender equality is once again coming under increasing pressure – both politically and socially. In Hesse, for example, gender-inclusive language has been restricted in certain areas. A sign that makes it clear: progress is hard-won.
The panellists’ assessment was all the clearer for it: gender equality remains a key issue at universities. Structural inequalities persist – for example, in recruitment and pay, in the recognition of work, or in areas of conflict such as exclusion and bullying. At the same time, it became clear that progress has been made. Awareness of inequality and of the balance between work, care and leisure has grown – and yet gaps remain.
What really resonated from the evening were Lavender Szymula’s spoken-word pieces. Because they were incisive. Because they captured complexity without reducing it to simplicity, and without getting bogged down in it. Because they moved people and sparked ideas – in a way that lingers. Lavender highlighted dilemmas familiar to many in gender equality work: everything has been said, everything demanded, everything documented – and yet the system remains. The exhausting writing, the endless committee work, the patient explaining, the ceaseless naming. And then, no easy way out, but an honest challenge to take responsibility: action is the solution.
‘You’ve got a back and two fists – they can do more than just sit and write. When I speak here, you can stand up. And when you stand up, I’ll carry on.’
Perhaps this is a clue as to what gender equality work also needs: alongside analysis and structure, formats that resonate, create new approaches, inspire action and give people courage.
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Equality remains on the agenda. That was the message back then. That is the message today.
About the programme
Conceptual consultancy: compassorange.
Presented by Katrin Unger from compassorange
Opening of the evening: Vice-President Prof. Dr. Sonja Buckel
After the opening: Lavender Szymula, spoken word artist: We’d done everything we could. / Two fists, one back.
In conversation: Dr Sylke Ernst, Equal Opportunities Officer, and Prof. Dr Mechthild Bereswill, Professor of Sociology of Social Differentiation and Socioculture at the Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Kassel
Round Table: Dr Magdalena Fellner (postdoctoral researcher at INCHER Kassel, researching social inequality and social mobility in higher education), Prof. Dr Michael Mecklenburg (Department of Early German Literature, member of the Central Equality Commission), Prof. Dr Mark Schrödter (Department of Social Pedagogy of Childhood and Adolescence, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences) and Prof. Dr Mechthild Bereswill.
And finally: Lavender Szymula, Flexen – Why I don’t want flowers
The report can be found here.
