Days of Empowerment 2026

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When? 8th - 19th of June

Where? On both campuses and online

What? Different formats of exchange, workshops or keynotes with discussions, thematic focus on empowering vulnerable groups.

Wednesday, 10th of June 2026

Kamp-Lintfort 10am-12pm, 06 02 110
Student Politics and Representation in Higher Education 
Workshop by Prof. Dr. Eva Maria Hinterhuber and Melkon Nazaretyan

We cordially invite you to a special game event on the topic of ‘Student Politics and Representation in Higher Education’.  In a Future Lab-style, we will use scenario techniques to explore the question of how we envisage democratic participation and representation of students at universities in the future. You can expect vivid questions, exciting discussions, the opportunity to develop ideal, but also worst-case scenarios together, and to virtually put them to the test! 

In addition, we are eager to hear your assessment and evaluation as test players – your feedback will help us improve the game.  We look forward to your participation in a relaxed atmosphere with a joint breakfast. No registration is necessary, and feel free to bring your friends!

Friday, 12th of June 2026

Kleve, 5-8.30pm, Mensa
Armenian Night
Evening Event by AStA & Haus Mifgash

Join us for live music and traditional food, celebrating Armenian culture.

Monday, 15th of June 2025

Online, 5.30-7pm
Combating Discrimination, Extremism, and Anti-Democratic Sentiments on University Campuses! – Manifestations and Courses of Action in Everyday University Life
Online lecture by Katharina Völsch

Discrimination, extremism, and anti-democratic attitudes in the university context are not new phenomena. Recent figures show that there has been a significant increase in incidents in this area in recent years. This aligns with the shift toward authoritarian discourse and the rise in far-right attacks on democratic institutions that have been observed across society in recent years.    
How can these issues be addressed in everyday university life? What options for action do faculty and staff have in their daily work? 
The lecture will explore these questions following an initial overview of the manifestations of discrimination, extremism, and anti-democratic attitudes in the higher education context. There will also be time for your questions on the topic.

Please note: This event is for staff members only.
 

Wednesday, 17th of June 2026

Kleve, 2-5pm, 01 EG 004
Studying Abroad Together – Exchange & Support for International Students
Empowerment-Workshop for international Students by Luisa Tabales

Studying in a new country offers many opportunities, but it can also come with unique challenges. This workshop provides international students with a safe and supportive space to share experiences, strengthen personal resources, and explore new ways of navigating everyday student life. Through interactive exercises, guided discussions, and input on self-care and coping strategies, participants will have the opportunity to connect, reflect, and support one another. In addition, they will receive information about helpful support services and contact persons at the university.

Please note: As a safe space, this event is open exclusively to international students.

Wednesday, 17th of June 2026

Kamp-Lintfort, 1.15-2pm, SR 8 Building 4
How can gender equality be achieved within the faculty? Findings from the Gender Report 2025
Lecture about Findings of the 2025 Gender Report by the Faculty of Communication & Environment by Dr Lisa Mense and Prof. Dr Klaus Hegemann

The Gender Report 2025 systematically examined gender equality work within the faculties and departments of higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia. The study highlights the situation of decentralised equality officers and their deputies, and identifies key areas of focus and action for decentralised gender equality work. It also explores the significance of the gender equality mandate and the importance it holds in their day-to-day work.

Building on the key findings of the Gender Report, I would like to discuss in this talk the conditions that contribute to making faculties more gender-equitable.

Dr Lisa Mense, Deputy Head of the Coordination and Research Centre of the Network for Women’s and Gender Studies NRW at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) since 2017. Previously, she worked as a research assistant in the UDE’s Gender Equality Office and also served as Deputy Central Gender Equality Officer from 2012 to 2017. Lisa Mense studied and obtained her PhD in Social Sciences at Ruhr University Bochum.

Please note: This event is held in German.

Friday, 19th of June 2026

Kleve, 2.15-3.45pm, 01 02 002
Empowerment in Academic Contexts: Between Inclusion, Participation, and Discrimination
Empowering Lecture by Dr Pradeep Chakkarath

What are the conditions, possibilities, and challenges of empowerment within academic institutions? The talk will highlight how academia can create spaces for inclusion, participation, and social change while also confronting structural inequalities and discrimination. By reflecting on institutional practices and power relations, the talk will also aim to discuss how more inclusive and empowering academic environments can be fostered.

Friday, 19th of June 2026

Kleve, 4-8pm, in front of Mensa