Seminar for Community Politicians: Developing Tactics to Counter Hate Speech and Instigation
In the heart of Gahmen, the Civic Center played host to a significant event on August 29, 2025. The workshop, titled "Strategies for Dealing with Hate and Hostility - Empowering Women in Local Politics," was organised by Luenen's Equal Opportunities Officer, Heike Tatsch. Ten women from various parties and voter communities participated in this timely and important gathering.
The workshop aimed to equip women running for democratic parties or voter communities with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of local politics, particularly those related to hate and hostility. Heike Tatsch, in her opening remarks, highlighted the prevalence of such issues, often manifesting as sexualized violence, in local politics.
The first part of the workshop focused on understanding hate and hostility, their consequences, and the legal options available to combat them. The second part was more interactive, with participants developing strategies to protect against online harassment and sharing their experiences. Heike Tatsch emphasised the importance of supporting these women, providing them with the necessary tools, and creating a network to help them thrive in local politics.
The success of the workshop led to plans for a follow-up event next year. The organizing committee of the Gahmen Women's Political Network will be responsible for planning this subsequent event. The exact date and location have yet to be announced, but the municipal and integration council elections, scheduled for September 14th, are likely to be a focus.
The workshop and its follow-up event are crucial steps towards empowering women in local politics, a sector that Heike Tatsch believes is the cradle of democracy, where women can make a significant difference in their local environment. The discouragement or driving away of potential candidates is a concern, and events like these aim to encourage more women to take an active role in shaping their communities.
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