Interim report on Brandenburg climate plan published – RLI shows need for action in the transport sector
4. March 2022
09.03. | Online symposium at the Universtity of Delaware
9. March 2022International Women’s Day at the RLI: More than flowers for equality
March 8, 2022 | At the Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI), every day is International Women’s Day – for all employees. The institute’s employees work in engineering and for energy research just as much as for gender equality and more visibility for women in science.
In this way, the RLI is ahead of this years International Women’s Day‘s motto on March 8, 2022 – #BreakTheBias. And one step closer to the goal of creating a world free of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.
More than 50 percent women in leadership roles
The institute has successfully created structures to achieve this goal. This is demonstrated by more than 50 percent women in leadership roles, a charter that clearly speaks out against sexism, a gender equality plan, and family-friendly models for working hours and location, among other measures. Because just celebrating on one day and handing out flowers is not enough, says Kathrin Goldammer, executive director of the RLI.
“For gender equality, we need good structures in the research and working world,” says Goldammer. And further: “At the RLI, all people work together on an equal footing. We create a working environment that enables every single person to develop and not be disadvantaged because of their gender. Parity is possible! At RLI we show this with more than 50 percent women in management positions.” The proportion of women is above average not only in management positions, but also in the entire workforce at the RLI: 45 percent of employees are female. This is unique for a technology research institute in Germany.
Modern and diverse: working models at the RLI
As an employer, the RLI aims to accommodate the modern and diverse life models and realities of its employees. The work models allow great flexibility in times and places. A transparent and participative corporate culture supports equal cooperation among employees. This is reflected, for example, in exchange formats such as the Women’s Breakfast Club, an appointment only for (self-identifying) women, or the Gender Awareness Breakfast, which is open to employees of all genders.
Corporate values set out in charter
RLI has written down its corporate values in form of a charter, affirming its commitment to creating a positive work environment for all employees. The charter‘s ten principles include a separate article against sexism and the exclusion of all forms of discrimination and the recognition of the diverse personal backgrounds of employees.
Outstanding commitment to the visibility of women
“A good working atmosphere, diversity and equality are of particular concern to me and the RLI,” explains Goldammer. “The energy sector in particular still has a lot of need for modernization in this regard – the RLI is a special institute in this rather conservative industry. This is precisely why we should seize our opportunity to make a real difference through our involvement,” adds the RLI managing director.
Goldammer is also involved in thematic networks and events, such as the founding team of Women in Green Hydrogen or as a speaker at the Women in Natural Sciences (WiNS) career program at HU Berlin.