Career situation of female astronomers in Germany

TL;DR

This study surveys the career paths of female astronomers in Germany, highlighting challenges, success factors, and providing recommendations to improve gender equity in the field.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive analysis of the career development, obstacles, and support systems for female astronomers in Germany, including those abroad and those who left the field.

Findings

Networking and human support are crucial for success.

Prejudices and discrimination are prevalent and perceived.

Women are more likely than men to leave astronomy after PhD.

Abstract

We survey the job situation of women in astronomy in Germany and of German women abroad and review indicators for their career development. Our sample includes women astronomers from all academic levels from doctoral students to professors, as well as female astronomers who have left the field. We find that networking and human support are among the most important factors for success. Experience shows that students should carefully choose their supervisor and collect practical knowledge abroad. We reflect the private situation of female German astronomers and find that prejudices are abundant, and are perceived as discriminating.We identify reasons why women are more likely than men to quit astronomy after they obtain their PhD degree. We give recommendations to young students on what to pay attention to in order to be on the successful path in astronomy.