General Provisions
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Purpose and objective
The aim of the network is to strengthen gender studies based on Hessian scientific institutions, to further anchor it institutionally, to develop it further, and to represent it externally. We promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary exchange, support scientists of all status groups, and strengthen the visibility and recognition of gender studies in science, politics, and society.
Further information on the purpose and objectives can be found in the network's guiding principles.
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Scope
These rules of procedure apply to all members and bodies of the network. They govern internal procedures, decision-making processes, organization, and cooperation between network partners.
Membership
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Requirements and admission
Any natural person who is actively involved in gender studies, agrees with the network's mission statement, and has a connection to the state of Hesse can become a member of the network.
The application for membership must be submitted in writing (online form) to the speakers' council.
The speakers' council will decide on the application after review.
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Members' rights and obligations
Every member has the right to participate in the general meeting, to elect the speakers' council, to run for the speakers' council, and to participate in the activities of the network.
Members are obligated to support the aims of the network and to comply with the rules of procedure.
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Resignation and expulsion
Resignation is possible at any time and must be declared in writing. The speakers' council updates the membership list annually. If a member fails to respond twice within six months to direct contact by email asking whether they wish to remain in the network, the person will be removed from the membership list and their membership will therefore be terminated.
In the event of gross violations of the network's guiding principles, the speakers' council has the right to decide on the exclusion of members. The member will be informed of the exclusion in writing. Exclusions will be announced at the general meeting.
Network bodies
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General meeting
The general meeting is the decision-making body in which all members have voting rights.
Its tasks are: approving the rules of procedure, electing and, if necessary, dismissing the speaker's council, establishing guidelines and mission statements, and making decisions on key strategic issues.
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Speakers' Council
The Speakers' Council usually consists of five to seven elected members, who ideally come from different universities, colleges, or non-university scientific institutions in Hesse and belong to different status groups. A balanced representation of Hesse's scientific centers in the field of gender studies is desirable.
At the request of elected members of the Speakers' Council, a deputy may be elected for each of the respective persons. A deputy may also be appointed during the current term of office; this must be confirmed by the acting Speakers' Council by a simple majority and communicated immediately to the members of the network in writing by email. Any member may lodge a written veto within two weeks of the notification being sent.
The tasks of the Speakers' Council are: operational management of the network, coordination of projects, preparation and implementation of the resolutions of the general meeting, decisions on the admission and exclusion of members, and external representation of the network.
Decisions are made in joint debate; in exceptional cases, decisions may be made by majority vote. The Speakers' Council bases its decision-making and communication on the guiding principles.
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Working groups
If necessary, topic-specific working groups or committees can be set up to work on specific projects or areas of responsibility (e.g., research, promotion of ECRs, public relations).
Functioning of the institutions
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General meeting
The general meeting takes place at least once a year. The speakers' council sets the date for the general meeting.
Invitations to the general meeting must be sent in writing by email at least 14 days in advance and must include the agenda for the general meeting.
An extraordinary general meeting may be convened by the Speakers' Council or by at least half of the members of the network.
Invitations to these meetings must also be sent in writing by email at least 14 days in advance.
Resolutions within the general meeting are passed by open vote and, upon request, by secret ballot. Resolutions are passed by a simple majority of those present at the general meeting.
A two-thirds majority is required in the general meeting for amendments to the statutes or rules of procedure.
In the case of abstentions, unless otherwise specified before the relevant vote, the majority of valid votes cast shall apply.
Proposals to amend the rules of procedure may be submitted by any member.
Amendments require the approval of at least two-thirds of the members represented at the general meeting.
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Speaker's Council
The election of the Speakers' Council takes place by secret ballot at the general meeting. The Speakers' Council is elected for a term of two years. Re-election is possible.
The maximum of seven persons with the most votes are elected. In the event of a tie for seventh place, the decision is made by lot. Each member may cast up to seven votes. Cumulative voting is not permitted. To conduct the election of the spokespersons, one person is elected as the election officer and up to three people as the counting commission. These persons may not run for the Speakers' Council.
Speakers' Council meetings take place at least quarterly. Resolutions are documented in minutes. The minutes are available for inspection at the request of a member.
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Working groups
Working groups document their work and develop proposals that are presented at the respective meetings of the Speakers' Council or the general meetings. They report back to the general meetings.
Entry into force and final provisions
These rules of procedure shall enter into force upon resolution by the general meeting on October 9, 2025.
Should individual provisions of these rules of procedure be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. The invalid provision shall be replaced by a provision that comes closest to the economic purpose of the invalid provision.