We celebrate diversity: to mark Germany-wide Diversity Day in May, we also sent astrong message of tolerance, inclusion, equal opportunities and democratic coexistence on the campus of Paderborn University.
To mark Diversity Day, the universities in the East Westphalia-Lippe region regularly organise the‘DIV DAY OWL’event, thereby creating a platform for diversity and a meeting place for exchange, new perspectives and social initiatives. This year’s programme was once again varied: in the foyer of the O Building, a range of activities invited visitors to explore and get involved. These included a diversity quiz, creative discussion sessions and VR experiences centred on diversity themes. At the DIV TALKS OWL, students and researchers delivered concise short talks offering fascinating insights into projects focusing on diversity, social sustainability, queer life, social cohesion, international perspectives and support for refugees.
A particular highlight: the talks were livestreamed from the University of Paderborn’s film studio to the other participating OWL universities. The academic programme concluded with a keynote address on the topic ‘Diversity among PhD students: Room for improvement! Changing structures, creating opportunities and new pathways’ by Prof. Dr Isabel Steinhardt and Dr. Anda-Lisa Harmening, followed by an open Q&A session.
DIV DAY OWL impressively demonstrated how important spaces for openness, dialogue and mutual learning are, and how universities can actively help shape social responsibility.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved from Bielefeld University, Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, Catholic University of North Rhine-Westphalia, Detmold University of Music and the FH-Diakonie (Diakonie University of Applied Sciences – FHdD) Bielefeld, as well as to the guests at the talks: Dr Isabelle Leitloff, Isabel Louise Niemann, Thiên Kim Schütte, Ronja Mende, Leah Schnitzler, Sina Marie H., Artiom Maruseac, Patrick Henschen and Alina Lemke for this inspiring inter-university event.
