Wo*mentoring

Wo*mentoring is an interdisciplinary mentoring programme by and for TINFA-students (Trans, intersex, non-binary, agender, genderfluid people and women) at the University of Bern. It is aimed at all TINFA-students at the University of Bern in their Master's studies who are considering an academic career. Mentors can be TINA- assistant professors, lecturers or doctoral students in the same or a related field of study.

13th Round Wo*mentoring

Are you dealing with the question of what to do after graduation? Are you interested in scientific research and could you imagine an academic career? Are you thinking about writing a dissertation and want to learn more about it?

... then sign up for Wo*mentoring now!

Wo*mentoring is an interdisciplinary mentoring program for female students at the University of Bern and offers you the opportunity to deal specifically with these and other questions. The program is aimed at female students in the Master's program from all faculties.

As a participating student, you will be supported and advised by an assistant or doctoral candidate from the same or a similar department for two semesters (AS 25) on questions regarding studies, academic careers and career planning. At the core of the program are regular individual meetings with your mentor.

In addition, Wo*mentoring offers you an attractive supporting program. Through discussion rounds, workshops and meals together, you will receive important impulses for your further career as well as the opportunity to make new contacts.

Have we piqued your interest? Apply by September 10, 2025. 

About the programme

The programme, which is specifically aimed at TINFA-students, was launched on the initiative of female students from Bern and Fribourg who were involved in the Commission for Equality (CodEg) of the VSS (Verband der Schweizerischer Studierendenschaften/Swiss Student Union). Thanks to the federal programme Equal Opportunities and Diversity and the cooperation of four different organisations (SUB, VSS, AfG, SAJV), Womentoring, the first mentoring programme in Switzerland targeting female students, was realised in 2002. 

In autumn 2025, the 13th round of Wo*mentoring 25 will start with a kick-off event, afterwards various workshops on academic careers will take place, various networking meetings will be organised, and different experts will report on their experiences. However, the heart of the mentoring is the individual meetings and discussions of the mentoring duos.

Program Kickoff and Info-session

15.10.2025 | 14:15-17:00

The kick-off introduces participants to the Wo*mentoring program. The program includes a welcome address and introductions, an overview of the program structure, short inputs from program partners, and time for pairs of mentors–mentees to discuss expectations and define goals. The event concludes with an apéro.

Mentoring 101

19.11.2025 | tbd

This workshop provides an introduction to the principles and practice of mentoring in an academic context. Participants will learn about the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees, ways to design an effective academic mentoring relationship, and blindspots to watch out for.

Workshop – tbd

10.12.2025 | tbd

A Day in the Life of a PhD Student

28.01.2026 | 10:15-12:00

This workshop offers insights into the daily routines, challenges, and time management strategies of PhD students. Participants will hear about balancing research, coursework, and personal life, as well as tips for maintaining motivation and well-being. The session is designed for current and prospective doctoral candidates seeking realistic expectations and practical advice.

Program Conclusion

18.02.2025 | 14:15 – 17:00

The closing event offers participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences throughout the program and provide feedback. It includes a reflection session and a space to share suggestions for future editions.

Contact

Project coordination 

Tanisha Pandey

Student Body of the University of Bern (SUB
Lerchenweg 32 CH-3012 Bern

Project management 

Jill Federer 
jill.federer@unibe.ch
Student Body of the University of Bern (SUB)
SUB board member: Department of Equal Opportunities
Lerchenweg 32 CH-3012 Bern

Participate

Mentees

Mentees are TINFA-students in their Master's studies from all faculties who are considering pursuing an academic career.

Womentoring offers mentees

  • An insight into the academic world
  • Integration into the academic world
  • The opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with female assistants, lecturers, doctoral candidates and students
  • The development of a network
  • A closer look at their study and career planning
  • Help with the decision if you want to write a dissertation
  • Providing positive role models
  • Raising awareness of gender equality issues

Womentoring expects the mentees to

  • Willingness to examine one's own studies and career path
  • Personal initiative
  • Interest in university and academic life
  • Regular meetings with the mentor (at least 3 times per semester)
  • Regular participation in the framework programme
  • Willingness to participate in the evaluation of Womentoring

Mentors

Mentors are assistants, doctoral students or lecturers at the University of Bern who allow a student to benefit from their experience and contacts and accompany her in her professional and academic career.

Womentoring offers mentors

  • The opportunity to pass on knowledge and experience
  • The development of counselling and coaching skills as important social competences
  • An examination of their own professional career
  • Contact with other female assistants and doctoral students
  • The opportunity to build a network
  • A free participation in the courses offered by the Office for Gender Equality

Womentoring expects the mentors to 

  • An interest in the questions, concerns, and problems of the mentee
  • The desire to let others benefit from their own experiences
  • The mentee may be allowed to benefit of the mentor's own network.
  • Willingness to meet with the mentee regularly (at least 3 times per semester)
  • Participation in the kick-off event at the beginning of October 2021
  • Regular participation in the rest of the framework programme, if possible
  • Willingness to participate in the evaluation of Womentoring

Wo*mentoring replaces Womentoring!

The academic world is at a turning point – we need diversity-sensitive and inclusive research. To meet new challenges, the SUB Mentoring Program requires restructuring.

For many years, the Womentoring program has supported master’s students on their path to an academic career – by and for FINTA* individuals.

Yet, not all students at UniBE have the same opportunities for an academic career. The new SUB Mentoring Program aims to be open to all genders and strengthen future PhD students' awareness of diversity in their research. With this new mentoring program, SUB seeks to actively combat structural racism and gender inequality.

Wo*mentoring replaces Womentoring!
Wo*mentoring replaces Womentoring!

Sustainable Science Culture

In collaboration with the «Better Science» initiative, we raise awareness of the issues within an accelerated and competitive academic system. Sustainability, diversity, and a respectful work environment are not only the foundation for excellence but also for a healthy academic community.

Chancengerechtigkeit

With the support of the University of Bern's “Office for Equal Opportunities”, the next generation of researchers will be empowered to actively and responsibly shape the future of research and sustainably transform the structures at the University of Bern by dismantling discriminatory barriers.

Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination

It is essential to address structural discrimination at the University of Bern through the mentoring program. The goal is to actively support and guide students who face disadvantages due to classism, racism, sexism, and transphobia, while working to remove structural barriers. Mentors will be trained in racism and equality issues to better support their mentees.

Intersectional Workshops

Instead of training FINTA* individuals to fit into a patriarchal world, cis men and FINTA* individuals will learn and reflect together, through targeted workshops – both in gender-homogeneous and mixed groups – on how to create inclusive and just structures in academia.

To understand what students need today to pursue an academic career and ensure the new mentoring program can respond to the needs of the student body from the start, workshops were held.

Forms and reports

Here you can find application forms, more information on Womentoring, and reports on the programme.

Concluding reports Womentoring

Reports on the programme

Nach oben