The Sustainability Initiative of the University of Cologne, which is carefully supported by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Germany Chapter and the Materials Research Society (MRS) University Chapter, organized a workshop titled: Gender Equality – Women in Science. Indeed, a highly discussed topic nowadays, which spans a wide range of occupations. 80 participants from all over the world, just to name few: Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, Spain, Nigeria, Sweden, Ghana, America and England, joined in this workshop.

“Is the gender gap still a topic in the academia world, in particular for women in science, and what can we do to tackle this problem in a constructively way?” – was one of the profound questions that were asked during the workshop.

In this workshop a group of high-level scientists’ women springs from academia and industry, including a representative of UN WOMEN, to share and discuss their experiences whenever they encounter any difficulties in their careers. Their motivating stories and opinions on how they moved up in their career and managed their work-life balance to be successful in their professional work and handle the family besides. This extrapolated a portrait of what barriers women encountered in science in the past, but also what challenges and stereotypes are still to be overcome, striving to close the gap!

The overall goal of this workshop was to encourage young women not to hold back and follow their dreams!