Women in politics!

In the autumn of 2022, EAF Berlin conducted a study commissioned by the cities of Arnsberg, Detmold, Gütersloh, Lippstadt, and Minden, highlighting the barriers to women's involvement in local politics. The survey was funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Flight and Integration of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

As part of the online survey, all current council members, former members from the last legislative period, and expert citizens were contacted and asked to provide anonymous feedback regarding their motivations, experiences, assessments, and, above all, their suggestions and recommendations.

The survey provides a wealth of insights into how the situation could be improved. For instance, to better reconcile family and professional life, a large majority is calling for more digital formats, as the significant time commitment is seen as one of the biggest problems. Consequently, anything that helps reduce this time burden receives high approval ratings. Practical measures, such as covering childcare costs or ensuring accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, are also supported.

The survey provides a "toolkit" that politicians and administrators can use to take action. The primary responsibility lies with political parties, but also with stakeholders such as adult education centers, other educational institutions, and, of course, the administrative leadership itself. The majority of the proposed measures are supported by a large majority of the surveyed politicians, suggesting that the political will for implementation should be present.

Further projects

• The Helene Weber Kolleg is the first nationwide, cross-party platform for women in local politics
• The "Kommune – Frauen in die Politik" action program aims to sustainably increase the proportion of women in local politics in collaboration with partner regions