Anklam Workshops Empower Women to Boost Political Engagement

In Anklam, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, workshops aimed at increasing female political participation were recently held to counteract the low representation of women in local politics. Less than one third of candidates in the latest local elections were women, highlighting persistent gender disparities. The initiative, organized by the Center for Democratic Culture and the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, brought together over 30 women politicians from various parties to empower and support women entering politics.

The workshops focused on building resilience, visibility, and skills for political engagement. Romy Tölk, an independent mayor, shared her personal experiences of devaluation and emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in the political arena. Wenke Brüdgam, the state's equality officer, noted women often face skepticism about their competence and logistical hurdles such as evening meetings and childcare responsibilities.

Beyond training, the event fostered networks to strengthen collective resilience rather than individual struggle. Efforts such as political gatherings and networking groups are being set up to encourage more women to take active political roles. The specialized training day prepared participants with the knowledge and confidence essential for political roles, reflecting a broader push for gender equality in German politics.

The workshops mark a continuing effort to empower women, increase their visibility, and reduce the challenges they face in politics, with hopes for greater female participation in future elections.