"Mental Load – The Invisible Burden in Our Minds"

About 80 women from various departments of the University accepted the invitation from Renata Eisenmann, the Officer for Equal Opportunities. Chancellor Dr. Bülent Tarkan took the opportunity to welcome his female colleagues and—before leaving the room—illustrated just how relevant the topic of the gathering is by sharing an example from his own family. In her presentation, speaker Stefanie Mädel then began by explaining exactly what the term “mental load” entails—the invisible mental and organizational work, right down to the responsibility for seemingly small tasks, that women in particular often have to handle in the background alongside their careers, families, and other responsibilities. At the same time, she explained how this burden can be made visible and what options exist for distributing tasks more consciously and initiating conversations about them.

The topic generated great interest among the university staff members. In the discussion that followed, many shared their own experiences, and a lively exchange ensued on how to better cope with “mental load” in both professional and personal life.

Given its proximity to International Women’s Day on March 8, the event also provided a good opportunity to reflect together on other current topics related to equal opportunities, everyday work life, and mutual support.