Now more than ever! Success strategies and barriers for women in local politics

Nationwide, the share of women in local representative bodies is only 30 percent. A look at the individual federal states reveals significant differences: Saxony ranks last in a national comparison with just 22 percent. A new study by EAF Berlin, commissioned by the Saxon State Ministry of Justice and for Democracy, Europe and Gender Equality, now sheds light on the causes for the first time and provides far-reaching recommendations for action.

The study results present a nuanced picture of the current situation in Saxony: On one hand, there is a strong civil society with many motivated and committed women, meaning there is great potential for strengthening women's representation. The increased number of female candidates for the 2024 local elections underscores this. On the other hand, the increasingly polarized political and social climate, along with the associated hostility and threats, represents a growing barrier to local political engagement for women and marginalized groups. While the challenging political situation sometimes deters women from getting involved in local politics, it also leads to a strengthening of democratic engagement—a "now more than ever!" sentiment.

The share of women in local politics in Saxony rose slightly to 22 percent in the 2024 local elections, up from 20 percent previously. This is particularly evident in regions where many programs and events were held to empower and motivate women. In districts with high levels of such activity, the share of women increased by up to 8 percentage points, as seen in the Meißen district council. Investing in measures to reach out to women is therefore not just worthwhile; it is a necessity.

Beyond the intensifying political and social climate, the reasons for the low and, in some regions, declining representation of women also lie in the structural framework conditions for local political engagement. These include deeply rooted social gender roles that lead to challenges in balancing work and private life and the exclusion of women from politics.

Based on the study results, EAF Berlin has developed recommendations for action. These are intended as interconnected aspects of an overall strategy that addresses the diversity of women and their respective obstacles. They are aimed at a wide range of stakeholders at the municipal, state, and federal levels, including municipal associations, civil society actors, and political parties.

The study results and recommendations will be presented and discussed during the expert forum.

Registration and participation:

The event will be held via the online platform Zoom.

Please register by February 9, 2025, using the form below: https://eveeno.com/fachforum_jetzterstrecht

You will receive the access details via email the day before the event.

The authors:

Kathrin Mahler Walther is the Chair of EAF Berlin. Since 1996, EAF Berlin has been committed as an independent, non-profit organization to diversity and equal opportunity in politics, business, and academia. A key focus of EAF Berlin's work is promoting the representation of women in (local) politics.

Anna Sive is a Senior Expert at EAF Berlin with a focus on research and organizational development. Her work includes the design and implementation of studies and surveys on diversity and equal opportunity.

Click here for the study: Women's involvement in local politics in Saxony