Event Highlights Barriers Faced by Mothers in German Politics and Calls for Structural Change

An upcoming event titled "Mothers in Politics - Speak Up, Shape, Participate!" aims to spotlight the challenges faced by mothers and women with caregiving responsibilities in political representation. Scheduled for March 14 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Kossehof of the Volkshochschule Meppen, the event is organized by the 'My Turn' project alongside Marlies Kohne, the Equal Opportunities Officer for Emsland. Central to the event is a reading from Sarah Zöllner's book, "Mothers in Politics," which delves into the obstacles mothers encounter—such as the mental load and the absence of childcare options—while sharing experiences from 21 politically active mothers across various levels.

Following the reading, there will be a moderated audience discussion and a panel featuring politicians including Filiz Polat of the Bundestag, Andrea Kötter from the Lower Saxony State Parliament, City Council member Tanja Landgraf, and mentoring program participant Tanja Büter. The discussion will focus on entry pathways into politics for women and the structural reforms necessary to foster greater inclusivity and political engagement. The event particularly addresses the underrepresentation of mothers, migrants, and caregiving women in decision-making roles, highlighting the need for actionable changes to political structures.

Attendees interested in participating are encouraged to register by March 12 via email. This event represents a timely effort to amplify women's perspectives in politics, advocating for more supportive frameworks to overcome the unique challenges faced by mothers in political arenas.