SESSIONS
Information on individual speakers can be found here.
A detailed schedule will be published soon.
Panels
Our panels will last approximately one hour each, with some extra time in the end in case there are more questions. In the beginning, each speaker will be shortly introduced. Our panels will consist of a group of experts in their field, talking and debating with each other. One of our very own students will moderate each panel. Questions from the audience are taken towards the end of each panel.
Opening Remarks and Opening Session
Welcome by the DASICON Presidents: Debanwita PAUL, Caroline PARSCHÉ
Opening Remarks by Ambassador Dr. Emil BRIX
Participants: Antonella MEI-POCHTLER, Susanne RAAB
Time: 09:00-10:00
Panel I "Women in Modern Politics"
Participants: Melanie SULLY, Birgit SAUER, Irene GINER-REICHL, Laura WIMMER
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Progress in gender equality is clear considering the increasing number of female politicians. The role of women in modern politics is no longer taboo, and a feminist way of thought is spreading rapidly in the field. However, despite these improvements, women remain dramatically underrepresented in politics and are confronted with deeply ingrained stereotypes questioning their abilities. The stigma against women is still alive, and 2021 sees prolonged marginalization of women in political and public life. The barriers to widening female political representation concern society, institutional structures, and information flow, and tackling them requires joint efforts on the part of the government, civil society, the media, academia, the private sector, and youth.
For this reason, our panel discussions will focus on required legislative standards, parliamentary ethics, inter-governmental cooperation, public awareness, and other issues concerning gender relations in politics.
Panel II "Equality around the World"
Participants: Heinz FISCHER, Désirée SCHWEITZER, Brigitta BLAHA
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
On paper and at the podium, the route to gender equality follows the map outlined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, in particular, SDG 5. On the road to parity for the sexes, however, the world keeps getting lost. Multiple commitments of global leaders contrast with the daily realities of many women worldwide. Women continue to lag on social and development indicators, being drastically overrepresented among the extremely poor and disproportionately impacted by climate change. The central question for our world is how to step up and unlock the potential of half of its population.
Speakers will reflect on international efforts to turn promises into action, the importance of education and information, as well as the major global challenges ahead.
Break-out sessions
The break-out sessions will take place at the same time. Participants of the conference can hence choose which topic they are most interested in.
Each session will be led by one of the students. They will introduce the speaker and the topic and start the discussion with questions for the speakers. Afterward, the audience can ask questions at any time. Break-out sessions are more open in the direction they take on the topic. We encourage an exchange of ideas and views — not only of the speakers but also of the audience. The intimate format makes it possible to ask more detailed questions about the work and experience of the speakers.
Break-out Session I
Time: 12:00 - 12:45
Option A: "Path to Economic Independence"
Participants: Margit SCHRATZENSTALLER-ALTZINGER, Wies BRATBY, Andrea LEITNER, Julia GÜNTHER
There is no better investment than in women to spur economic growth and foster sustainable development. Women’s economic participation is an important part of the growth and stability equation. Around the world, female workers bear the brunt of the work in the lowest-paid and most precarious jobs. Action must be taken to close the gender gap and mainstream the gender perspective into economic policies. Light must be shed on unpaid care and domestic work which is essential to the functioning of any economy. Measures must be adopted to bring down barriers to women’s path to economic independence.
This panel brings together experts from various backgrounds to talk about how to move the progress of women’s economic empowerment forward.
Option B: "Cultural Perspective on Feminism"
Participants: Jennifer TUCKETT, Christina DALETSKA, Sophia VONIER
Feminism can be expressed in many different ways, one of which is art. Yet, gender discrimination can be found in many different contexts, such as in art, music, fashion, marketing, and branding. For too long, female artists have not only been underrepresented but also have been left unnoticed and unrecognized or were forced to give the credit for their own work to others.
As a consequence, this panel aims to demonstrate a different perspective on feminism, drawing attention to the art world for women.
Break-out Session II
Time: 13:45 - 14:30
Option A: "Why Feminism Needs Men"
Participants: Edeltraud HANAPPI-EGGER, Gerhard WAGNER, Herbert CORDT
Most people naturally associate the notion of “gender” with “women” – as if men are genderless. Equally, feminism is considered to be only feminine. In the past, this lack of introspection rendered men largely invisible in the discourse about issues that are equally about men and women. Notably, over the past decade, the important role men and boys play in achieving gender equality has become increasingly recognized. Resolving the gap between women and men is a societal responsibly which concerns and should fully engage both sexes. In that regard, men’s active support can take a variety of forms, including advocacy, educational campaigns, and cooperation programmes.
In the course of our “WHY FEMINISM NEEDS MEN” panel, speakers will discuss the necessity of the inclusion of men in gender equity efforts and its practical realization. Our goal is to prove that feminism can be masculine too.
Option B: "Gender Roles in Religions"
Participants: Dana WINTER, Irmtraud FISCHER, Liselotte ABID
In recent years, many critical voices have been claiming that identifying oneself as a religious feminist is an oxymoron – that to be a feminist is to reject the idea of God-given roles. It is true that religions have a significant impact on gendered relations and gender-role attitudes, but this impact is multifaceted and varies around the globe and across different religious beliefs. Moreover, the important role of people of faith in promoting gender equality and empowering women is often underrated. At the same time, women are still highly underrepresented in top positions of religious leadership.
Our panel speakers from different religious backgrounds will reflect on this issue and share their opinions and expertise in an open and informative dialogue.
Break-out Session III
Time: 14:45 - 15:30
Option A: "Gender Inequality during COVID-19"
Participants: Maria RÖSSLHUMER, Katharina MADER, Ursula BAUER
The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has compounded risks to progress towards gender equality. Across all dimensions, the crisis and responses to it exacerbated pre-existing and deeply entrenched inequalities and discrimination against women and girls and have created new vulnerabilities. For instance, immediate effects are already showing themselves in health and education, gender-based violence, and the heavy burden of unpaid care work. Moreover, many women are particularly exposed on the frontlines in the COVID-19 fight, providing essential medical and other services, and keeping communities running. Yet, women remain notoriously underrepresented on crisis response teams, policy spaces, and decision making.
Against the background of the COVID-19 outbreak, panel discussions will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on women and gender-related issues, the necessity to ensure equal representation in all crisis responses, and the pandemic as an opportunity for women.
Option B: "Gender Diversity and Inclusion"
Participants: Helen TODD, Christian BERGER, Marita HAAS, Stefanie MAYER
Gender identity is not binary: it is not only male and female but rather an entire spectrum with many different gender options. Google+ and Facebook have made headlines after introducing “infinite” gender options. The issue of gender diversity is highly topical and has been making positive progress over the past century. However, there is still much left to be done to fully allow gender diversity to enrich the quality of our decision-making, deepen the relevance of our advice and outputs, and enhance our efficiency and effectiveness.
On the panel, our speakers will shed light on the power of diversity in all aspects of life and discuss ways to raise awareness and reduce bias.
Break-out Session IV
Time: 15:45 - 16:30
Option A: "Women in Peace Operations"
Participants: Sylvia SPERANDIO, Vera BUDWAY
Military women face taboos and stigmas at all levels in the traditionally male-dominated environment. The year 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security and reminded the world of the long way ahead towards gender equity in peace operations. Currently, only 6% of all uniformed police, justice, and correctional personnel in field missions are women. This is only a reflection of the deeply-rooted stigma across the globe that it is somehow wrong and inappropriate for women to serve in uniform. Bringing women on board in peace-keeping operations represents a huge opportunity for more effective peace-keeping. Enhanced meaningful participation of uniformed police and military women is crucial in maximizing the impact of peace operations.
Our panel discussants will reflect on their experiences and talk about how to amplify the voices of military women.
Option B: "Women in Tech"
Participants: Neha MEHTA, Ana Karen RAMIREZ, Franziska RYSER
The figures on women’s’ representation in the technology sector speak for themselves and expose drastic underrepresentation, pay gaps, and discrimination. As of 2015, women only hold 25% of computing roles. One of the main issues is that women and girls face a variety of barriers and influences to their choice of a future career already at an early stage. This does not just represent a missed opportunity for women and society, but also for businesses. Our technology sector misses out on the wide range of benefits that are derived from workplace diversity- ranging from women's enhanced problem-solving and emotional intelligence to mirroring wider customer society.
On our WOMEN IN TECH panel, speakers critically assess the issues of gender equity in Tech, identify root causes for this disparity, and propose possible solutions and strategies for the future.
Open Session with exchange of views and Closing Remarks by DASICON Committee
Time: 16:30 - 17:00