2022: EqualPay Day symposium NRW “Care work is MORE WORTH”
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day 2026
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, the Central Equal Opportunities Officer cordially invites you to an evening of pop music, current gender discourse and space for dialogue at the Haus der Universität (“University House”).
A presentation by Professor Dr Kathrin Dreckmann forms the heart of the event:
“PYNK’ beyond Forest and Thighs”:
A media and culture studies perspective on gender discourse in current music videos
Considering pop music as a stage for social negotiation from a media and culture studies perspective: The presentation looks at how Janelle Monáe, Beyoncé and Lil Nas X play with strong images, fashion and symbols in their music videos to present a new narrative on topics such as gender, race and power – and how this makes pop a space where self-determination, queer perspectives and visions for the future become visible and tangible.
The composer and pianistProfessor Elena Mogilevskaya will provide musical accompaniment. With a selection of her own works, she invites the audience to enter a world of sound, which combines classical forms and modern expression. Her compositions tell of inner journeys and the desire to build bridges between emotion and reflection with music.
After the event, the Central Equal Opportunities Officer invites everyone to a relaxed get-together over wine and pretzels in the foyer, offering time for conversation, questions and networking.
Date:
Monday, 2 March 2026
Start:
7 p.m.
Entry:
from 6.30 p.m.
Venue:
Haus der Universität
Schadowplatz 14
40212 Düsseldorf
Registration is required.
You can register online here (German only).
Whether studies, science or simply an interest in pop, gender and culture – we look forward to an inspiring evening with you!
International Women’s Day 2025
© HHU / Jochen Müller
© HHU / Jochen Müller
MUSICAL READING
'Heinrich Heine: From Devotion to Detainment Order, between Cupid and Censor'
In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, the Equal Opportunities Office at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf cordially invited to the musical reading: „And as I reached the border line, I felt a mightier throb within my chest…". Heinrich Heine: From Devotion to Detainment Order, between Cupid and Censor” at the Haus der Universität (“University House”).
200 years ago, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the Düsseldorf-born poet Heinrich Heine. Shortly beforehand, he had shaped his impressions of his last journey from exile in France to Germany into an epic poem, published under the title of “Germany. A Winter’s Tale”. Heine loved defiantly and criticised to the point of being banned, he was unconditionally devoted to women who gave him the cold shoulder and directed merciless social criticism at sovereigns who ruled with an iron grip. The writer, who had already experienced marginalisation at an early age, disregarded social norms when it came to matters of the heart. In his youth, for example, he fell in love with the daughter of an executioner, whose family was ostracised. Later in life, he loved both society ladies and women deemed to come from less exalted circles. Heine was attracted to strong women and stood up for women – relentlessly, fearing neither the taunting of his fellow men and other contemporaries, nor duels with pistols. The musical reading followed the trail left by his bleeding heart, from his youth to infirmity, and his journey through life as a romantic rebel.
Concept, text & reading: Dr Andreas Turnsek
Vocals: Stephanie Marie Turnsek
Composition, accordion & vocals: Gudrun Salger M.A.
Violin: Jessica Goetz
Percussion: Reverend Olaf Schaper
International Women’s Day 2024
© Dr Anja Vervoorts
Gudrun Salger M.A. (Composition, accordion & vocals); Stephanie Marie Turnsek (Vocals); Dr Andreas Turnsek (Concept, text & reading); Dr Anja Vervoorts (Central Equal Opportunities Officer); Jessica Goetz (Violin)
© Agentur Pur (Rolf Purpar)
MUSICAL READING
“Yes, women are dangerous creatures. I can tell you a story about that...”
Of authors and women
In honour of International Women’s Day 2024, the Equal Opportunities Office of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf invited people to a musical reading and networking session at the Haus der Universität (“University House”).
The first – unrequited – love, the relationship for life that turned out not to be after all, the mother, partners, girlfriends, patrons and affairs: from Heinrich Heine and Kurt Tucholsky to Erich Kästner and Bertolt Brecht, women play key roles in the lives of famous literary figures. Women define the books and biographies of authors, whether macho or mummy’s boy – or both: A musical reading.
The musical reading is available online.
International Women’s Day 2023
MUSICAL READING
'You are very much on your own when you are lonely – Erich Kästner and women'
Around 120 guests took up the invitation to the musical reading at the Haus der Universität (“University House”) in honour of International Women’s Day 2023.
A musical reading about an author whose work seems so familiar in its own way, yet little is known about his relationship with the women who shaped his life and work. Kästner is collectively remembered as a cult children’s book author and many who hear his name can recall a book, which helped shape their own lives. The author himself was shaped by war, crises, illness and complicated interpersonal relationships – and by at least one complex relationship with women. The excursion through the books and biography of Erich Kästner in text, music and song was very well-received.
The musical reading is available online.
2020: Musical reading: Erich Kästner and women (failed)