Wanted: women at TiU

In six years, the difference between men and women at Tilburg University should be decreased significantly. This was the message that TiU-representatives had at the Gender Diversity-meeting at the Faculty Club yesterday.

Right now, 15 percent of the academic staff is female. Compared to other universities, this is very low and according to Gabe van der Zee, secretary of our university, that is ridiculous. Besides this, women earn 475 euros less than man, on average. This is no reflection of the student population as half of the students are women.

The reasons for this are stereotypes and prejudices, but, as someone in the crowd states, women take this for granted and should be more assertive as well. But, there is a plan. By 2020, 40 percent of associate professors should be female, and 25 percent of full professors. Also, one member of the executive board should be female. Since that board only has two members, this is a big decision. Furthermore, TiU wants to tackle the salary disparity between men and women. Gender & Diversity is also going to be a focus area in education.

This all is going to happen by revisiting the hiring, selection and retention progress. An action plan is going to be made for the pay gap. Besides this, gender is going to be a part in leadership programs, education & research and think-tanks & taskforces. One woman in the crowd, who started the women studies at TiU, is sceptical: “I hope that this time, you have succes”.