Women in politics: closing event on 9 November
For more women in local politics: last year, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg took part in the nationwide "Municipal Action Programme: Women in Politics". The aim: to sustainably increase the proportion of women in local councils. The joint closing event will take place on 9 November.
Nine matches, numerous meetings
At the heart of the mentoring programme: bringing together elected representatives and women interested in politics and encouraging them to exchange ideas - and thus inspiring more potential female politicians to work in local politics. In Waldeck-Frankenberg, one of ten model regions in Germany, this has been successful. Over the past few months, a total of nine matches have been formed - i.e. tandems of politically experienced and as yet inexperienced women. In numerous meetings, the experienced female politicians have coached the newcomers in order to pave their way into local politics.
More equality in politics
In many conversations, they have exchanged ideas about working in political committees and how to get there, shared knowledge and learnt from each other. Many of the mentees have benefited from this. Some can now imagine running for election. Everyone's interest in local and regional politics was awakened and strengthened. One mentee, Katharina Lemke, says: "I have learned a lot about local political structures and the programme has enabled me to gain access to things that would not have been possible on my own or without the framework of the programme. That's very helpful!" Her mentor Dr Barbara Weller from Edertal says: "We will both continue on this path together. Perhaps this will pave the way for one or more women to take up positions in the Edertal municipal council."
Lectures, democracy workshop & excursions
In addition to the meetings, there were also many other events: a particular highlight was the evening with Susanne Selbert, the granddaughter of one of the "Mothers of the Basic Law" Elisabeth Selbert, who offered fascinating insights into her family history. Events such as the democracy workshop in cooperation with the German Rural Women's Association and an excursion to the state parliament in Wiesbaden also raised awareness of the importance of female representation and expanded the network of interested women.
To conclude the programme on 9 November 2024, the district is inviting all female members of the district council, district committee, town councils and municipal representatives, as well as female local leaders and all women interested in politics to a closing event in the Korbach town hall. This will provide an opportunity to review the results to date and to plan further measures to promote women in politics. Registrations are possible until 4 November 2023 at juergen.roemer@lkwafkb.de