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Helene Weber-Prize
Best Practice
Promoter Information:
Name: Helene Weber-Kolleg
Email: None
Website: https://www.frauen-macht-politik.de/en/helene-weber-college/
Abstract:
Since 2009, the Helene Weber Awards have recognized and trained elected female representatives in local government who have distinguished themselves through exceptional engagement. Every year, the Prize awards women active in politics and civil society, who are committed to women's politics and equality policy. These women promote the next generation of local politicians, advocate for diversity in municipal politics, and act as role models for potential female representatives in local government. Candidates for the award are proposed by members of the Bundestag, and winners are selected by an independent jury chaired by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ), comprising representatives from political foundations, local government associations, and the German Women's Council, as well as a former winner of the Helene Weber Prize. Award-winning women receive a comprehensive program of personal development measures that includes a networking weekend in Berlin, individual coaching sessions, and a budget of 500 euros to carry out political-municipal activities in their respective local areas. This program aims to enhance their skills and visibility, fostering their effectiveness and influence in local politics. The Helene Weber-Kolleg (HWK) initiative, under the banner "Women in Politics," addresses the underrepresentation of women in politics, particularly in parliaments and local councils. At federal, state, and local levels, the proportion of female elected officials is increasing very slowly or even decreasing, with fewer than one in ten town halls led by women. HWK aims to change this by being the first nationwide, cross-party platform for female local politicians. It offers various exchange and networking formats, as well as information to support women in their political entry and advancement. A key focus is on an intersectional perspective, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of women in politics. The HWK honors outstanding female local politicians with the Helene Weber Prize, making their work visible and strengthening their network. It also includes the nationwide and non-partisan network "We belong," which supports women with migration backgrounds or similar experiences who are involved in politics. The HWK is funded by the BMFSFJ and implemented by EAF Berlin. Through these initiatives, the Helene Weber Awards and the Helene Weber-Kolleg contribute significantly to promoting gender equality in decision-making roles in local government, ensuring that women's voices and perspectives are integral to political processes at all levels.
Keywords:
women in politics, equality policy, local policy, local politics, political representation
Dates:
Jan. 1, 2009 - None
Source Specificity:
Initiative/Practice/Project/Programme/Case Studies
Website:
https://www.frauen-macht-politik.de/
Power Domains:
Political
Methods Tools:
Gender Training, Competence development, Funding
Country:
DE
City:
unspecified
Implementation Scale:
national
Language:
English
Other Links:
https://www.frauen-macht-politik.de/en/helene-weber-prize/helene-weber-prize-2020/ https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/good-practices/women-power-politics-helene-weber-kolleg
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