In recent years, the fact that women hold less than a quarter of all professorships at German universities has increasingly come into focus in discussions about science policy. Among the measures that can contribute to achieving the legally mandated and socially desired goal of increasing the proportion of women in appointments is active recruitment, which involves the targeted search for highly qualified female scientists and encouraging them to apply for professorships. This study analyzes the prevalence and practical implementation of active recruitment of female professors at German universities, identifies success factors, and provides recommendations for the implementation and design of the process. It is aimed at all stakeholders in higher education who are involved in strategic personnel development, appointment procedures, and gender equality issues.