In 2009, Paderborn University received the NRW Gender Prize worth 100,000 euros for "Gender-equitable university concepts". The prize was presented by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Research and Technology of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Gender Prize honours universities that offer innovative career concepts in research and teaching and implement these adequately in practice. When selecting award-winning gender equality concepts at universities, not only concepts submitted to improve career opportunities for women are taken into account, but also the progress already made in the field of gender equality.