She for Democracy - Program 2025
You think there is a lack of female voices in politics! You want to get involved in politics and play an active role in shaping the future of your city, but you don't yet know how and where to start. Then the She for Democracy program is just right for you! Events, workshops and networking meetings offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of local politics.
Dortmund needs the diversity of women in politics!
In 2025, we are once again launching the She for Democracy empowerment program together with the equal opportunities offices of the City of Dortmund and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
We want to motivate women with diverse experiences, backgrounds and political opinions to help shape politics in Dortmund or in another municipality. Diversity of migration background, social background, religion, ideology, disabilities, age and sexual orientation are important to us - we welcome every female applicant who cares about democracy!
Program 2025 (the events will be held in German)
Fri. 17.01.2025 18.00-21.00 - City Hall, Friedensplatz 1, 44135 Dortmund
With the "She for Democracy" campaign, we want to encourage women to get involved in local politics, implement their ideas and actively shape the political image of our city.
What you can expect at the kick-off meeting: After greetings from the Lord Mayor and the Equal Opportunities Officer, an inspiring film will be shown, followed by a rousing keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Silke Laskowski and personal table discussions with politically active Dortmund women. Exchange ideas with other committed women over a snack, network and discover opportunities to get involved in local politics. Join us, get to know the structures, make contacts and start a campaign with us that will help shape Dortmund's future - feminine, courageous and full of ideas.
Tue. 25.02.2025 18.00-20.00 - online
You want to get involved in politics but are wondering how local politics actually works? What committees are there, who decides what - and above all: how can you get involved yourself? Then this workshop is just right for you! In just two hours, our speaker Andrea Blome will take you on a practical journey through the basics of local politics. Using many practical examples, she will show you what goes on in the political committees, why they are so important for our city and what opportunities you have to really make a difference.
Whether you're thinking about getting involved in local politics yourself or are simply curious, this digital workshop offers you the perfect opportunity to get your first insights - and ask all your questions. Join in and discover how much power there is in local politics - and how you can get involved!
(Link will be provided after registration)
Sat. 22.03.2025 09.00-15.00 - City Hall, Friedensplatz 1, 44135 Dortmund
Do you want to get involved in politics in Dortmund, but sometimes lack the courage to really get going? Then "Courage Muscle Training©" with Tanja Peters is just the thing for you! As part of the "She for Democracy" campaign, she offers a humorous, motivating workshop that shows you how to strengthen your courage muscle and be more confident in everyday political life.
This courage workshop is designed to encourage and motivate you to have more confidence in yourself. You will learn how to strengthen your self-esteem in the long term and find out how to deal better with doubts and fears. Tanja Peters will introduce you to strategies that can be implemented directly in everyday life - and show you how courage training can specifically promote your development and personal growth.
The workshop is aimed at all women who would like to become active in local politics in Dortmund or who are already active and are looking for an invigorating kick. Join in and discover how much courage you really have!
Thu. 10.04.2025 18.00-20.00 - online
Do you know this? An unfair comment, a derogatory remark or a joke at your expense - and you don't have the words to respond confidently?
Especially in the political arena, things are not always fair - and this is exactly where our workshop comes in. In this interactive, two-hour online training course, Katja Dittmar will show you how to counter in a quick-witted and charming way without losing your composure.
The focus is on reacting appropriately to the situation, counterattacking in an appreciative manner and rebuffing without stress. You will practise various repartee techniques that will come back to you even in stressful situations. Whether it's simple questions, absurd reactions or non-verbal techniques, everything will be tried out in the workshop. This will make you eloquent and self-confident, even in unexpected situations.
(Link will be provided after registration)
Thu. 08.05.2025 17.30-20.30 - City Hall, Friedensplatz 1, 44135
Anyone can debate, but debating constructively, purposefully and confidently - that's a real art. In our "Debate over a beer" workshop, you will learn how to master the methodology and rules of debating with ease and have fun at the same time.
Experience how political and social topics become exciting, rousing exchanges. Here you will not only train your rhetorical skills, but also your powers of persuasion and argumentation skills - in a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to join in!
This training is for all women in the "She for Democracy" campaign and interested local politicians who want to get to the heart of their arguments with confidence and enjoyment.
Fri. 13.06.2025 17.00-21.00 - City Hall, Friedensplatz 1, 44135 Dortmund
After half a year full of inspiring workshops and actions around "She for Democracy", it's time to celebrate our success together! We cordially invite you to experience the end of the campaign with us and many other committed people.
Look forward to a lively market of opportunities where you can get to know the various parties and politically active organizations. There will be plenty of opportunities to get into conversation in a relaxed atmosphere and make initial contacts for your own path into politics.
There are also two exciting short workshops waiting for you: In the first workshop, you will learn how to confidently master your first appearance in a political organization. The second workshop will show you how to network successfully - an important step for your political engagement. Delicious snacks and drinks will be provided. Let's get together and enjoy this evening - a fitting end to "She for Democracy" and a starting signal for your next steps in local politics!
Thu. 10.07.2025 18.00-20.00 - Meeting point will be communicated with the registration confirmation
The "She for Democracy" campaign has celebrated its first successes: With a variety of events and important initial contacts with politicians, valuable steps have already been taken towards more active participation of women in political life. But what happens now?
At our Walk and Talk, a relaxed stroll through green Dortmund, we invite interested women to explore the next steps together. In an informal atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to talk directly to politicians and like-minded people, exchange ideas and ask questions. A relaxed setting for encounters and dialog!
At the end of the event, we will go to a pub together, where we can deepen our discussions and continue networking over snacks and drinks. The path is now prepared - let's walk it together and actively contribute to the future of democracy!
All events are free of charge.
You can also find all the information in the brochure (in German). If you have any questions, you can contact Adina Korte by e-mail.