Equality Lounge @ HPI

Since 2019, the Equality Lounge (until March 2026: FQ Lounge) has been a dedicated space for gender equality work and support services at the HPI. The Equality Lounge is grounded in the mandate of the decentralized Equal Opportunity Officers of the DEF and is anchored in the DEF’s/HPI's Gender Equality and Diversity Plan 2024–2030.

The Equality Lounge contains a clear focus on gender equality and FLINTA* support. Our approach to equality work is intersectional. We recognize that gender-based discrimination is seldom experienced in isolation but rather in conjunction with other forms of discrimination. Therefore, we address all forms of marginalization and discrimination.

The Lounge was created to increase the visibility and empowerment of women in computer science. Today, it serves as a community hub and safe space where HPI members can learn about gender equality issues and related initiatives, exchange ideas, receive support, and connect with one another. We see the Lounge not just as a physical space but as a concept: a platform to raise awareness, foster critical discussion, and take concrete steps toward a more equitable HPI.

The Lounge is open to all HPI members: students, researchers, professors, and staff. Allies are warmly welcome. We trust that you are here to seek support, to learn, and to engage in good faith toward our shared goal of gender equality and inclusion.

Community Guidelines & Expectations for Behavior

The Equality Lounge is built on respect, openness, and care for one another.

We ask everyone who enters to:

• Respect everyone — honor the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences present. Disrespect or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Engage with curiosity and openness — Come ready to learn, listen, and welcome perspectives different from your own. This is an uplifting and supportive space.

• Practice active allyship — Even if you do not belong to an underrepresented group, you are welcome here as someone who supports inclusion and equality for all and wants to learn how to be an ally.

• Be mindful of your presence — before entering, take a moment to reflect: Why am I here? What do I want to accomplish here that I cannot do elsewhere?

Opening Hours & Room Usage

Located in H-E.6, the Equality Lounge is open to all HPI members during regular campus hours. The Lounge usually follows the general opening hours of HPI. In case it is closed, please reach out to the reception in the main building.

Availability & Booking

• The room can be reserved for community events or meetings aligned to Lounge's purpose. Please note that the room is best suited for small gatherings and can only comfortably fit 6-8 people.
• Room availability can be viewed (viewing rights only) in Outlook by searching “Equality Lounge, H-E.6” under room calendars. See here on how to add/view a room calendar in Outlook.
• If you would like to book this room, please email both the Equal Opportunity Officers and the DEI Team directly (contact information above).

Privacy & Alternative Spaces

• The Lounge is designed as a shared space and while it can be booked for events, it is not intended as a private, individual retreat. For complete privacy, including for breastfeeding, Room C-E.12 is available and can be locked. For quiet, focused work, the computer labs are bookable via Outlook (search "Pool Rooms" under room calendars in Outlook).
• For additional privacy within the Lounge, the curtains can be lowered using the switch near the door.

Events & Programme

• The decentralized Equal Opportunity Officers and the DEI Team may use the Equality Lounge to host events on topics related to gender equality and DEI at HPI. Events may take place in Room H-E.6 or in other venues on campus.
• All upcoming events will be listed on the DEI Calendar List on the DEI Confluence page.
• If you have an idea for an event or a topic you would like to see explored, please get in touch via email. We would love to hear your input!

Services and resources

We ask that you help to keep the Equality Lounge tidy by returning things to their proper places and avoiding unnecessary clutter. All borrowed items should be handled with care so others may enjoy them too. Please leave the space just as you would like to enter it.

If you notice something that is damaged or missing, please contact us.

Information material

• We provide informational materials and event flyers in display stands. You are welcome to take this material as long as it is not labeled “sample copy”.
• You are welcome to place your own flyers in these stands. Please ensure that they relate to DEI topics and do not contain any discriminatory content. Please also ensure that the materials are placed exclusively in the stands intended for that purpose.

Library / Book Borrowing

• The Equality Lounge maintains a collection of books related to gender equality and diversity, open to all HPI members.
• When borrowing a book, please complete the online borrowing form. Borrowed books should be returned within three weeks. To request an extension, please contact us via email.
  • Link to borrowing form
  • Link to full book catalog
• If you have a book that you would like to read, you can request a book for the collection by contacting our teams (contact details below).

Hygiene & Wellness Products

• Menstrual products - Pads and tampons are available free of charge.
• Hot water bottles - Several hot water bottles are available to borrow. A kettle can be found in the nearby kitchen.
• Portable fans - Portable handheld fans and cooling packs are available for those experiencing symptoms related to menopause.

Toy Boxes for Families

• Families with young children can borrow a toy lending box containing age-appropriate toys for children aged 0–1, 1–3, or 3–6 years. Boxes are available as a suitcase or backpack. Please sign the clipboard when borrowing and return the box when finished.

Office Hours

• The Equal Opportunity Officers and DEI Team do not hold standing office hours but are available for questions, ideas, or individual concerns. See contact details below. We are happy to meet with you and encourage you to reach out.