Successful launch of "SHE FOR DEMOCRACY - your future in local politics"

The kick-off of SHE FOR DEMOCRACY began in the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus, in a large circle of chairs in which the councilwomen and the participants sat opposite each other for the first time. They were welcomed by the organizers from the Equal Opportunities Offices of TU Dortmund University and the City of Dortmund. The two mayors, Ute Mais and Barbara Brunsing, then gave welcoming addresses. They talked about their (re)paths into politics and how they eventually became the second and third female mayors of Dortmund. There was also a digital greeting from Josefine Paul, Minister for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, in which she emphasized the importance of women's involvement in politics.

Maresa Feldmann, Equal Opportunities Officer for the City of Dortmund, introduced the topic with an interactive presentation on the historical struggle of women for political participation. Among other things, she highlighted the influence of female voices in political decisions in the Bundestag, for example in the legal provision on abortion. She also presented current facts and figures on the representation of women in political offices at local, state and federal level.

Afterwards, the participants and the councilwomen clarified questions about the organizational framework of the programme in separate rooms. The participants had time to find out more about each other in an informal get-to-know-you bingo and were able to discuss their expectations of the program in small groups. The main focus here was on the desire for empowerment and better networking with like-minded people. However, the participants were also interested in realistic insights into the everyday life of female local politicians and helpful tips for their own entry.

After a break and refreshments in the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus bistro, the first substantive exchange continued. Over four rounds, participants and female councillors discussed various political statements and were thus able to gain a good first impression of each other. The group got talking about statements such as "I see people like me who naturally shape politics" or "There is currently a lack of politicians in Germany who...". It became clear how important visible and lived diversity is in politics. One of the participants said that she always sees her own story in politicians who look like her. Another participant emphasized that the future of politics must not only become more female, but also more diverse.

After the exciting exchange, the female councillors had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their path into politics. It quickly became clear that there is no one path and that it is never too late to start. At the end, participants and councilwomen were drawn into teams. For the next few weeks, the councilwomen will take participants into their everyday political lives and give them an insight behind the scenes of Dortmund politics.

On April 25, the participants continued online and were taught the basics of local politics in Dortmund: How does the council work? What committees are there in Dortmund? What are the duties of council members? Can I be elected to the council without being a party member? How do I stand for office? These and many other questions were clarified and thus form the basis for possible future political involvement.