Municipal politics - Few female mayors - "Image campaign" necessary?
Only ten percent of mayors in Bavaria are female. In order for this to change, targeted support and encouragement for potential female candidates is necessary, says Mayor Kathrin Alte of Anzing in the Ebersberg district, CSU. "I believe that half of the population, which is still missing in politics, really needs to be involved." Alte is one of 204 female mayors in Bavaria.
Fewer women are represented in municipal, district, and city councils, says Alte. The compatibility of family, career, and political mandate is seen as a potential barrier. In addition, there are not yet established networks among women who support each other politically - this is already established among men. "We need to stick together and we really need to lobby for this job in municipal politics," says Alte.
To encourage more potential candidates to take on the political office, experienced female mayors are responsible for Alte: They should offer their support and encourage candidates. Personal experiences could help alleviate fears or prejudices. "Being a mayor is not witchcraft. It's not easy, but it's achievable," says Alte. Visible role models can help win over more candidates in their opinion: "We are the best ambassadors for the job." She demands from the parties a critical reflection, whether women are also represented "half and half" on the party lists.
Today, Kathrin Alte is discussing in Kinding (Landkreis Eichstaett) with a colleague and Green fraction leader Katharina Schulze, among other things, about social cohesion and the role of mayors.
Alte emphasizes the importance of more women in municipal politics in the Ebersberg District of Bavaria, a region currently dominated by male mayors. She believes an Image campaign could encourage more women to pursue roles in Municipal politics, mentioning that California State University has successfully implemented similar initiatives. The current lack of women in political councils is attributed to the perceived challenges of balancing family, career, and political responsibilities, along with the lack of supportive networks among women in politics. Alte urges experienced female mayors to offer their support and share their experiences to encourage potential candidates, emphasizing that becoming a mayor is achievable and not as daunting as it may seem.
