"Women in politics": district takes positive stock
Last weekend, the final event of the "Municipality: Women in Politics" action programme for the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg took place in the town hall in Korbach. The aim of the programme was to sustainably increase the proportion of women in local councils and to bring together politically interested women with experienced female elected representatives. The district's village and regional development department supported the mentors and mentees.
The closing event not only served to take stock of the past year, but also to continue networking and exchanging ideas. "It is crucial that we continue to encourage and support women to play an active role in local politics," explains District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst. "As one of ten model regions in Germany, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has committed to driving this change with the action programme."
Over the past few months, a total of nine tandems of politically experienced and inexperienced women have been formed. These "matches" enabled the participants to gain valuable insights into local politics at numerous meetings. "The enthusiasm and interest in local and regional politics has been noticeably strengthened by our events," explained Head of Village and Regional Development Dr Jürgen Römer.
In addition to the tandem meetings, numerous events were organised, including the democracy workshop in cooperation with the German Rural Women's Association and an excursion to the state parliament in Wiesbaden. These events helped to raise awareness of the importance of female representation and expand the network of interested women.
The "Municipality: Women in Politics" action programme is supported by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), the German Countrywomen's Association and EAF Berlin and aims to change the underrepresentation of women in municipal offices. EAF Berlin advises on the topics of diversity and equal opportunities, career and leadership, compatibility and resilience as well as democracy and participation. It designs and implements practical research projects as well as innovative programmes and training courses for personnel and organisational development.