Elisabeth Brenker is the new Central Equal Opportunities Officer

On July 16, 2025, the Rectorate appointed Elisabeth Brenker as the new Central Equal Opportunities Officer at TU Dortmund University. Her predecessor, Martina Stackelbeck, was given a ceremonial farewell on July 2 after 15 years in office. Both are important pioneers of the Directive on Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence and thus also of the creation of the Central Counselling Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (SchuDS).

As employees of SchuDS, we are particularly pleased that Elisabeth Brenker made it clear in her inaugural speech that equality is to be understood as an issue for all genders. She announced that she would focus on promoting gender equality in the departments and raising awareness of gender diversity. It is an important step towards more inclusive gender equality work to consider non-binary people and those with diverse or no gender identity.

"An intersectional view of all measures is mandatory and more relevant than ever," says Brenker. Her vision not only includes legal requirements, but also aims to create a fairer environment for all members of the university community. After all, gender equality is not an add-on, but a basic requirement for a sustainable university.

From the perspective of SchuDS, it is crucial that all gender identities are included in gender equality work. This is not least due to the Self-Determination Act (SBGG) passed at the end of 2024, which offers trans, inter*gender and non-binary people a less discriminatory change of gender entry and/or first name(s). After all, the German Civil Status Act (PStG) has already recognized genders other than "female" or "male" since 2018. An inclusive understanding not only promotes the visibility of all people, but also creates a fairer and more respectful society for everyone. The queerfeminist glossary #klargestellt from the Equal Opportunities Office explains terms relating to gender and sexuality, for example, and the page on sexual and gender diversity also provides information about queer life at TU Dortmund University and in Dortmund.

We would like to thank Martina Stackelbeck for her many years of work and warmly congratulate Elisabeth Brenker on taking on her new position and look forward to working with her and her initiatives to promote equality at TU Dortmund University.

Kaya Gödeke (she/her) and Nicole Jansen (she/her)

Central Counseling Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (short: SchuDS)