Making Role Models Visible

RWU, and in particular its Office for Gender Equality, supports women in fields where they are still underrepresented. Visibility is a key component of this effort. This includes presenting awards that specifically recognize women in STEM fields.

Since 2023, the enerquinn award has been presented to recognize outstanding theses by female students in technical degree programs at RWU. “For women in STEM fields to become visible, they need opportunities to showcase themselves—and the courage to do so,” says Heike Ewert, Managing Director of enerquinn GmbH, about the idea behind the award.                                                                              

The award underscores how important role models are for greater equality of opportunity. When women become visible in technical fields, in science, or in leadership positions, it also changes the perception of who typically works in STEM fields, in research, or in leadership roles.

Janice Leyh, a graduate of the Business Informatics program and 2025 award winner, also emphasizes the importance of role models: They can help encourage more women to choose to study STEM or computer science.

Watch the full video here.