Under the theme “Closing the Gap – Stories of Choice, Challenge, and Change,” the Women of TUM Talk 2026 brought together female students, alumnae, researchers, and staff members of the Technical University of Munich for an inspiring evening on March 17, 2026, at the Oskar von Miller Forum in Munich.

The focus was on exchange, networking, and the shared question of how gender equality at TUM and beyond can be further strengthened.

The TUM Gender Equality Office (TUM GEO) was actively involved in the event and highlighted key themes that linked central gender equality issues. A special focus was placed on the issue of financial security for women: Two female students presented approaches in a pitch format on how to raise awareness among young people about retirement planning at an early stage. It became clear that women in particular are affected by poverty in old age and that it is therefore crucial to foster an awareness of financial independence already during their studies.

“It is crucial that we raise students’ awareness of financial security issues early on. This is precisely where structural inequalities are particularly evident — and at the same time, they present significant opportunities for preventive action,” emphasizes Dr. Daniela Schwarz, TUM’s Gender Equality Officer

In addition, the focus was on the exchange of different perspectives: Discussions centered on how students, researchers, business leaders, and the broader public can be even more closely integrated into university life. The dialogue-oriented nature of the event highlighted how valuable interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration is for an open and forward-looking university.

The evening also featured a panel discussion with TUM alumnae, who shared insights into their professional careers, key challenges, and defining moments. It became clear how careers are influenced by individual decisions, structural conditions, and societal expectations — and how women can actively help shape these structures.

Dr. Schwarz’s participation provided a special impetus; during the talk, she reported on the successful project week organized by the TUM Gender Equality Office in cooperation with ZONTA. This highlighted how important it is to more closely interlink practice-relevant questions, gender research, and sociopolitical topics and to integrate them into teaching and learning contexts.

“Formats like the Women of TUM Talk demonstrate how important it is to bring together academia, practice, and societal perspectives. Only in this way can we create lasting momentum for equality and participation,” said Dr. Schwarz.

In addition to the substantive presentations, the event deliberately provided space for networking in an informal atmosphere. Over drinks, participants were able to exchange ideas, make new contacts, and engage in conversation with representatives of initiatives and networks.

The Women of TUM Talk 2026 was thus not only an inspiring event but also provided concrete impetus for the further development of gender equality work at TUM and beyond.