German Catholic Celebration - Baerbock defends her foreign policy promoting gender equality
Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock has a network of fellow ministers from around the world where they discuss politics and share their experiences. This chat group has around 50 members, as revealed by the Green Party politician during her speech at the German Catholic Day in Erfurt on Saturday night.
Her feminist foreign policy has attracted both praise and criticism in Germany; however, she doesn't mind it. "I've noticed it polarizes completely," shared Baerbock, "but if you don't polarize, you won't be heard." It's about incorporating the perspectives of women and children, she explained. "In the end, you realize that helps us all become stronger."
Talking about her policy, Baerbock emphasized the importance of being open and showing vulnerability. "It's essential to touch yourself and be touched." At times, she's been moved to tears, such as when listening to Holocaust survivors or Yazidi children narrating their stories. The key question, she asked, "What would I do if I didn't allow myself to be affected?"
It's possible to learn patterns of behavior as a foreign minister and choose not to show vulnerability. "But what do I do then? Do I just turn away?" Baerbock questioned. "The point of politics is not to turn away but to understand what's happening in other parts of the world."
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Annalena Baerbock, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, utilizes a Meßenger service to connect with fellow ministers from various countries, including Thuringia, to discuss policy matters. During her speech at the Catholic Day in Erfurt, Baerbock mentioned having around 50 members in her chat group. Despite facing criticism for her feminist foreign policy in Germany, Baerbock believes in its power to promote gender equality and foster understanding, even if it divides opinions. This approach, she believes, strengthens the collective, including the Church in Germany and other nations' Catholic communities, in their foreign policy endeavors.
