The Internet platform Gender-Portal as a tool for development of gender competence Eva Wegrzyn University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany Centre for Higher Education and Quality Development

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3 Outline 1.The university as a complex organisation 2.Three elements of gender competence 3.Complexity of gender knowledge 4.The content of the Gender-Portal 5.Summary and conclusion

4 1. The university as a complex organisation (“expertocracy”)  point of reference: scientific community We’d like to implement… No, thanks.

5 1.1 The objective of the Gender-Portal providing scientific and practical information to the basic issues of gender in academia  access to gender knowledge as an element of gender competence  gender competence may support the implementation of gender mainstreaming

6 2. Three elements of gender-competence 1. Intention motivation to work towards the goal of gender equality 2. Ability personal and organisational 3. Knowledge of the cultural and social impact of gender

7 3. Complexity of gender knowledge 1.Everyday knowledge of the man and woman ‘on the street’; little reflected (e.g. universal ‘maternal instinct’) it is more ‘in the body’ than in the mind; enables interaction and a sense of security  everybody has it! 2.Scientific knowledge is determined by the rules of game of the (feminist) scientific community; ‘abstract’ (e.g. constructivist turn); academics strive to detach themselves from everyday knowledge 3.Expert knowledge mediates between everyday knowledge and scientific knowledge; experts need to focus on the context of the ‘customers’ and their needs & are criticised for being obedient to neo-liberal ideas What types of knowledge does the Gender- Portal provide?

8 4. The content of the Gender-Portal   combines scientific knowledge and experts’ knowledge Main topics Gender & Teaching; Gender Studies, Gender Mainstreaming; Natural Sciences & Engineering - findings of Women and Gender Studies - (best-)practice-examples and guidelines for women advancement plans, ‘gender-sensitive’ teaching - commented publication and link lists Data & Facts differentiated by sex and status Gender Publication Platform & Gender University Calendar which make ‘home-made’ gender knowledge visible Important addresses on campus for service and counselling

9 Summary and conclusion In universities, the advancement of innovations (GM) is a complicated process, because of the strong base (experts like professors) whose point of reference is rather the scientific community than the home institution. Task of the top: stimulate ‘cognitively’ and try to appeal to the intrinsic motivation concerning GM. “Gender knowledge” is a key element of gender competence which might help to reflect gendered everyday knowledge

10 Thank you very much!