BIH Exhibition “Berlin – Capital of Women Scientists” in Warsaw

Opening and Scientific Exchange

The festive opening of the exhibition on March 10 at the IPSiR of the University of Warsaw provided valuable input on the topic of women in science from both Germany and Poland. Welcoming remarks were given by Professor Aneta Ostaszewska from the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies, Anja Geissel, Deputy Director of the Goethe-Institut Warsaw, and Joanna Jones from the Science and Research Department of the German Embassy.

The introductory speeches addressed the central question of why women—and International Women’s Day on March 8—hold special significance for science and society. While Women’s Day is not an official holiday in Poland, it is deeply rooted in the culture: men give flowers and small gifts, schools and companies offer congratulations, and at the same time, feminists and activists use the day to campaign for women’s rights, against violence toward women, and against restrictive abortion laws. Originating in the international women’s movement, shaped by socialism, and still today both a traditional “flowers and gifts” day and a political day of action, March 8 remains a multifaceted occasion in Polish culture.

Karin Höhne, Head of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office at BIH, presented the exhibition “Berlin – Capital of Women Scientists” and offered brief insights into its development. The highlight of the afternoon was a lively panel discussion titled “Working in Science – Women’s Perspectives”, in which female researchers from diverse fields shared their experiences and reflected on opportunities, challenges, and the changes needed in the academic world. The opening afternoon was rounded off by a presentation of two academic books on the subject of violence against women, which provided further impetus for addressing gender equality in research.