Mentoring for young female practitioners and scientists in spatial and environmental planning in Germany - experiences of the joint mentoring program of the Academy for Spatial Research and Planning and the Association for Spatial and Environmental Research

Abstract

In order to overcome the underrepresentation of women on higher management levels in planning, the Academy for Spatial Research and Planning (ARL) and the Association for Spatial and Environmental Research (FRU) in Germany jointly have elaborated a mentoring program for young female planning practitioners and scientists. This article introduces objectives and elements of the mentoring program being considered a strategic talent development in a network of excellence. Results from a survey among the mentees and mentors of five subsequent years are presented revealing the principal verification of the program with its main elements: one-by-one mentoring for one year each, joint events, qualification classes for the mentees, projects by mentees and support with publications, and a final certificate. The survey reveals the need for several modifications, such as the introduction of target agreements at the beginning of a mentoring period, the modification of the project study as well as the extension of the mentoring period, which are discussed in detail. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the program efficacy and transfer.