The Inclusion Guides by the Hildegardis Association Advise Werder Bremen

The Inclusion Guides by the Hildegardis Association Advise Werder Bremen

SV Werder Bremen is one of six employers participating in the “Inclusion Guides” project of the Hildegardis Association. The Germany-wide pilot project began with a hybrid kick-off event on Thursday and Friday in Bonn. 14 female students with disabilities will advise institutions as experts in their own right. They act as “inclusion guides” and work together with the companies for a year on job advertisements, visual language, employer branding and recruiting.

The aim of the project is to create an inclusive work culture and to specifically target women with disabilities. The companies, which in addition to Werder include Axel Springer National Media & Tech, the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the platform for flexible working jobvalley, the Bonn Police and Saarland University, learn through the advisors with disabilities how they can position themselves as inclusive employers.

“Our goal is participation at SV Werder Bremen through a non-discriminatory organisational and sports culture in which everyone can contribute with their individual potential and develop their performance in an environment characterised by openness, tolerance and integration. Therefore, we are very pleased to continue our previous commitment by participating in the project of the Hildegardis Association and to benefit from the expertise of the female students and academics,” says Ihlenfeld. “By working with the two guides, we hope to advance inclusion at the Grün-Weißen and promote the removal of barriers to create an inclusive working environment where people with and without disabilities can work together successfully.”

Eva Ihlenfeld, human resources developer at SV Werder Bremen, points to the sports club’s long history of inclusion.

During the course of the project, which is funded by Aktion Mensch, there will be two rounds (“guidance phases”): The first phase will last until October 2023, while the second guidance phase will take place from June 2023 to May 2024, for which employers and students can still apply. The project will then be continued with interested companies and guides.