On the occasion of International Women's Day, TU Wien is pleased to announce an important milestone in the promotion of women and equal opportunities: The founding of the women's network ETITFem at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

Women's networks are of great importance at TU Wien, as they strengthen women in science and at the same time inspire the next generation of female STEM experts. Technical universities are traditionally male-dominated, so women's networks are places that offer important space for exchange, mentoring and professional development. It is important to TU Wien that female scientists feel comfortable and overcome gender-specific challenges. Women's networks make a decisive contribution to promoting equality and diversity in research and teaching - and thus strengthen the university as a whole.

ETITFem introduces itself

The first official meeting of ETITFem took place on September 23, 2024, but the history of the network began six months earlier when Sonia Prado-López, now spokesperson for ETITFem, decided to advocate for the visibility of women in research. She wanted to find a way “to encourage female students in particular to pursue a career in STEM”. Prado-López, who became one of the initiators of the network, is delighted that there is now also a women's network at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology; and as a good networker, she would like to thank her experienced colleagues from the Gender Competence Department, Brigitte Ratzer and Ruth Strobl: “They not only helped us to set up the network, but also connected us with other established women's networks at TU Wien. That was an inspiring experience.”

The initiators report that the network is growing rapidly and already has 12 members from various institutes of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. The network is open to anyone who shares its goals and values - i.e. promoting women in science: “ETITFem is open and welcomes anyone who shares our values,” says Prado-López.

Goals and activities of the network

The main objectives of ETITFem are clearly defined: “We want to make women's research visible, encourage female students to pursue a career in STEM and create networking opportunities,” says the network spokesperson. Seminars, workshops and other events are planned to achieve these goals. The networkers are currently developing a mentoring system for female Bachelor's and Master's students.

One of the network's most exciting initiatives is the ETITFem video podcast. “The idea behind the podcast is to give female researchers a voice so that they can share their scientific experiences and act as role models for future generations,” explains Prado-López. In addition, the ETITFem network will release its first social media-posts to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 and will be active on LinkedIn, Instagram and BlueSky.

New perspectives through women

 “Our world needs new perspectives, new ideas and equal opportunities,” says Prado-López, underlining the need for greater visibility and presence of women in science. “Women make an invaluable contribution to science and it is time to make our voices heard. We encourage all women to continue to ask questions, be curious and support each other. Every voice in science counts.” For the initiators of the network, it is important that women recognize their potential: “Believe in yourself. As women in science, you have the opportunity to shape a better society.”

ETITFem is another milestone on the way to ensuring that the voices of women in science are heard. Congratulations on its foundation!

Women’s networks at TU Wien

ETITFem via E-Mail an Sprecherin Sonia Prado-López (E-Mail) and at

• LinkedIn 
• Instagram  
• BlueSky 

Reading tip! Interview with Sonia Prado-López in the “Woman in Science” series (Link, opens an external URL in a new window)
 

• CLAIMING*SPACES, Faculty of Architecture and Planning
• fem*cee, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, E-Mail
• FemChem, Faculty of Technical Chemistry
• fem*MA, Faculty of Mathematics and Geoinformation
• fem*PHYS, Faculty of Physics
• femTUme, Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Women in Informatics, Faculty of Informatics