Equal opportunities at Ruhrverband - more than just a law!
At Ruhrverband, gender equality is actively promoted and is now an integral part of the corporate structure. Women are increasingly present in various areas of the Ruhrverband - both in management positions and in traditionally male-dominated professions.
A clear change is recognisable in the management levels
While female managers used to be rare, this has changed significantly in recent years. In November 2019, for example, Dr Antje Mohr became the first woman to be appointed as the Ruhrverband's Director of Finance, Human Resources and Administration. She was also the first woman to hold a management position of this kind at a special-law water association in North Rhine-Westphalia. Since May 2024, Carolin-Beate Fieback has held the position of Board Member for Human Resources, Administration and Social Affairs, continuing the successful integration of women into management roles.
Change is also evident in the technical areas
More and more women are working at the wastewater treatment plants and in the Ruhrverband's workshops. Young women are being specifically trained in professions such as construction mechanics or electronics technicians for industrial engineering - traditionally male-dominated professions. The Executive Board of the Ruhrverband is pursuing the goal of offering women prospects in these qualified fields of work and further strengthening diversity within the company.
How we support our employees
Flexible working hours and various part-time models enable both women and men with children in need of care to achieve a better work-life balance. In addition, employees have access to an external service provider who advises them on all matters relating to childcare and, in view of demographic change, also supports them in caring for relatives. Another important component is the external employee counselling service (EAP), which offers employees help with a wide range of professional and personal issues.
We have been an active member of the Essen Family Alliance for several years. In this network, Essen-based companies work together to promote the interests of families with the aim of strengthening their support and encouragement. The focus is on a sustainable improvement in family living conditions.
A lot of water will certainly still be flowing down the Ruhr before equal professional opportunities for women and men are fully and naturally achieved at all levels at Ruhrverband. After all, corporate structures also reflect social realities. However, one thing is certain: employees continue to be passionate and committed to gender equality.