The focus: Candidates face Morsbroich Castle!

The focus: Candidates face Morsbroich Castle!

In the Morsbroich Castle Hall, an revealing event of the Leverkusen women's ring took place on Thursday evening, in which various candidates were answered for the office of mayor. Ksta reports that moderator Joshua Kraski (CDU) led the discussion on which prominent faces such as Sven Weiss (Greens), Stefan Hebbel (CDU) The incumbent OB Uwe Richrath, Massimo Nigordi (independent), Keneth Dietrich (left) and the only woman in the group, Valeska Hansen (FDP), participated.

The discussion intensively followed women's policy issues, with the chair of the women's ring, Michaela di Padova, emphasizing the urgency of the points mentioned. Topics such as the financing and design of daycare centers were particularly the focus. Uwe Richrath pushed for the need for specialist staff for daycare centers and Stefan Hebbel underlined how important enough places are. Valeska Hansen emphasized that marginal times must be improved, while Massimo Nigordi suggested that the funds for daycare centers re -devoted. Sven Weiss and Keneth Dietrich also expressed critical comments on the use of money and the need for nationwide financing.

equality as a central topic

At the event, the topic of equality was not neglected. Valeska Hansen advocated strengthening the role of internships for girls. While the discussion between the candidate was peaceful in the inside, critical questions from the audience caused excitement in particular to Stefan Hebbel for promoting women in the CDU. Sven Weiss also addressed the need for school building and the need for renovation. CDU and FDP made suggestions to found a Leverkusen school building company, which was rejected by the Greens.

The Gender Equality Index of the European Institute for Gender Equality shows that there is still a long way to equality. For 2020, the EU value was 53.5 points, the value for political power is 56.9 points, which in many areas underlines requirements for a fairer distribution of political power. Since the entry into force of the Equal Opportunities Act for management positions in 2016, progress has been visible, but women have continued to be underrepresented in crucial positions. According to [Democracy Center] (https://www.democracy center.org/dildourcen/themenmodule/frauenpersporten/schechterdemocracy/ Number-und-fakten-frauen-in-in-decision positions/), access to management positions is still often reserved for a small elite.

The challenge of implementation

Despite the legal regulations, such as the law on equal participation of women and men in management positions since 2016, the reality of low women's shares in companies shows. Before 2021, many companies did not have a clear target for the proportion of women, which is an essential factor for slow progress. [Equal Opportunities Portal] (https://www.gleiclungungsportal.de/abc-der- equality/frauen-in-fuehrungspositionen/) reports that only 7.2% of the board positions in Germany are occupied by women. This displeasure is solidified by the often grown structures of the companies and the lack of targeted support measures.

At the end of the event, the candidates were asked which means of transport and what they would wish for young girls in Leverkusen. Brigitte Boersch, a participant, emphasized how important these constructive discussions are to actively shape the future in Leverkusen and the role of women in it.