With foundation of G/I/S/A in March 2001 in Saxony-Anhalt the first German gender institute has started the work. As a competence centre for gender mainstreaming it's the matter of G/I/S/A to give impulses for reducing gaps in knowledge and lacks for understanding about the different situations of women and men. Moreover it's the aim of G/I/S/A to support the development of the situation of women and men in all social fields on both sides advantage. In this way G/I/S/A is going to make a contribution to develop the basis's for a scientific-founded equal rights policy, which is orientated by the needs and interests of all citizens.

Ute Wanzek, manageress of G/I/S/A, welcomed in the name of the G/I/S/A-team more than 80 guests. Our guests represented ministries, the parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, administrations districts, colleges and universities of Saxony-Anhalt, trade unions, churches, trade associations, firms, business orientated institutions, women's associations and projects, commissioners for equalisation and medias.

Thomas Claus,also manager of G/I/S/A, introduced our guests to the themes and structure as well as the homepage of G/I/S/A. As well he emphasized the wishes for an intensive cooperation between G/I/S/A and partners in policy, administration, economy, education, science, trade unions, churches, foundations, unions and associations. Beside he announced, that the work of G/I/S/A is going to be transparent and public. For this various ideas are welcome.

Afterward our guests took the opportunity for talking about G/I/S/A, for getting in touch with each other, for agreeing with each other as well as fixing dates.

We are very glad about this great interest in G/I/S/A. Beside we will take great pains over to come to yours expectations.