DE

female forward
That’s the way into politics

Women in politics are more in demand than ever before #FemaleForward
How does the way into politics?
How does the way into politics? © Friedrich Naumann Stiftung

The role of women in politics, business and society is still an important topic today as the discussions about a women's quota, a parity law and the gender pay gap show. Equal rights must be fought and defended daily. How you can stand up for them you find out in this article. #FemaleForward

How to get into politics?

Women in politics are more in demand than ever before. Many parties want them to get involved more. But how can a path into politics actually look like? We collected the most important questions and have let them answered by female experts.

Okay, you got me. I want to commit myself. How do I start?

As often in life: many roads lead to politics. If you are in your twenties it makes sense to visit the parties' youth organizations. Here you get a good feeling for how people tick and what is their motivation. You can also simply fill out a membership application on the internet, so you are already committing to a party. From the district association that is responsible for you, you will then receive a message that you have been accepted and at the same time will be invited to the first events. Visiting, listening, talking, making first contacts and seeing if this can become your political home: these are the first steps.

Sorry, but I already outgrew youth organizations.

Then you should find out who is the contact person of the party that you are interested in in your city or district. That was the case for Nicole Bauer: “I chose the direct way and looked at who is responsible in my area. That is how I came to the district chairman, he directly invited me to a meeting. And everything went through. Those politics will ever become my profession was still very far by then.” So: Who wants to get politically involved on a local level meets in district associations and discusses topics there. Often there are also public events that you can attend. Here you make your first in-party contacts, may even find allies and find out if the party suits you.

How do I even know which party is right for me?

That’s exactly what party programs are for. Often they are the result of long debates – and not always easy to read. But there is no getting around it. If you could put a mental check mark behind most of the statements and goals and thus feel comfortable in terms of content that is a good sign. But it is also clear that never everything can fit. In each party, there will be content that does not suit you. Or opinions that you do not share. That’s politics: To have a point of view, to represent it, to be able to withstand headwinds, to find compromises and not to take anything too personal.

Do I have to search for a topic that I stand for?

“The moment will come when you should also contribute some content. For this there exist various working groups in which you can get involved and show what you are an expert on”, says Tijen Onaran. But no panic, first of all, nobody expects you to give sophisticated speeches on health policy or animal welfare. Most people first have to arrive at a party, find their own way and the right working group for them. “The nice thing about political youth organizations is that it is perfectly fine not to choose a working group or technical committee right away. You can listen to a lot and then ask yourself: What is my opinion on that? Especially young people do not have a complete opinion on everything yet”, says Ria Schröder, chairwoman of the Julis.

Which skills are important if I want to get involved in politics?

The good news: none of this is rocket science. “Anyone who enjoys interacting with people and likes it when people come to him or her with their questions and needs is not wrong in the world of politics. Then you should like to work programmatically and not be unwilling to visit events also after work or to read long texts. Anyone who can then also take a stand - even if it gets uncomfortable – has already a lot to offer”, says Nicole Bauer. Motivation and joy in working are also important – but that actually holds true for every profession.

But there is also another skill that you would not immediately come across: staying power! “Actually staying power is no competence. Nevertheless, one needs it in politics. Especially if you really want to shape something“, says Ria Schröder. And explains: “Many women come with a clear motivation to do something. There is something concrete that bothers them, for example, the politically right shift of society. For those women, political commitment does not mean sitting at a regulars’ table though, but writing proposals and working on concrete solutions. They do not want to waste their time and feel that the way topics are approached does not benefit them or the cause. That is, of course, frustrating and raises the question: is it worth it for me to invest this time? Therefore, the reference to the staying power. Sometimes things do not go as fast as one would wish.”

Do politicians not have to speak extremely well in front of an audience?

Let’s say it like this: it is definitely an advantage if one feels comfortable to speak in front of people. That also makes it easier to get through the election campaign (in case it comes that far). “As is well known, there is no one born a master. So no one expects from you to give perfect speeches right from the start. It comes by itself with the practice”, says Nicole Bauer. Hence, your rhetoric should not be an obstacle. If necessary there exist also media training for such things.

What kind of obstacles could arise if I want to get involved politically?

It may sound weird as an obstacle but women often experience politics as a men domain. Because they often feel alone during meetings they hesitate if it was a good idea to get involved into politics. “Some women are put off when they do not see a second woman at their first meetings but only elderly men. Also, the power struggle among men often seems strange”, says Nicole Bauer. The 31 years old studied engineering and later worked for BMW. Therefore, she knows how to work mainly with men – but also understands well that it is not easy for women to gain a foothold in a male domain. Nicole Bauer recommends: “Follow your path and do not let things discourage you, just stick with it. In the future, many political rituals will change. Politics must get away from old structures and break new ground. I can imagine that those changes will pave the way for more women into politics.” The MP thinks for example about child care during the party congress and finds that it should be reconsidered when, how and in which environment events should take place. It does not always have to be the evening regular’s table. Why not choose different formats to facilitate mothers to participate?

Where can I meet other women who want to make a difference?

“I recommend visiting the Female Future Forum by the Junge Liberale (Young Liberals). This is a seminar that I have been working on for three years and that explicitly addresses women. It is a gathering where we can make new acquaintances, get to know each other and network with like-minded people. I know how important it is to have fellow campaigners with whom you can show up at events. Like this the political work is much more fun”, says Ria Schröder.

The first step is done. I am a member of a party. And now?

Congratulations! Now you have to define for yourself: what do I want to achieve with my political involvement? For example: Where do I want to go? It is often underestimated how much can be done locally, in the municipality or in the district. Political involvement in parties has plenty of facets.

Engage on a local level, go to the national level and maybe even become active at the federal or European level?

“Depending on which level you focus on you should prepare. That means: if you target the state level you have to go to the state party congress and get known outside your city, so your party colleagues have you on the list and can set you up”, says Tijen Onaran. And overall: Do not forget to network! “It is important to network well within the party and to find out for yourself: Who plays which role in which position and could be my mentor? I always tackled this actively which has made me have great supporters”, Tijen Onaran tells.

Eventually the question of meaning: Why should I actually do all this?

“We are situated in the most exciting era since industrialization. So much is changing, for example, the role models of men and women. And: We are facing the new wave of digitalization. In my opinion, it is extremely important to shape society today for the generations of our children and grandchildren”, thinks Nicole Bauer. And continues: “We need much more female role models: Younger as well as older women who are willing to share their knowledge and experience and who want to shape intergenerational future policy.” Word!

 

The original article is written in German and can be found here online.

Our experts:

Nicole Bauer (31), Member of the German Federal Parliament, Spokeswoman for Women’s politics of the FDP fraction in the Bundestag and since 2013 national board member of the FDP in Bavaria.

Ria Schröder (26), chairwomen of the Young Liberals and student of law and art history. Founder of the Future Female Forum.

Tijen Onaran (33), former FDP politician, today entrepreneur and top networker. Founder of the networking movement Global Digital Women.