VfB-supporting Mayor Christiane Krieger expresses no interest in being a "servant."
Brigitte Johanna Henkel-Waidhofer: A trailblazing mayor challenging societal norms
Brigitte Johanna Henkel-Waidhofer, a tall woman with a penchant for high heels and long nails, has made history as the mayor of Wernau, a small town in southwest Germany. Her journey to politics began with a career in healthcare and public management, working at the Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart and the University of Public Administration and Finance in Ludwigsburg.
Henkel-Waidhofer, who identifies as a feminist, uses gender-neutral language to reflect societal realities and draw men's attention to imbalances. She is known for her hands-on approach and optimism, qualities that have served her well in her political career.
In 2023, she ran for mayor in Wernau and was elected with over 70 percent of the vote. Her victory marked a significant milestone, as more than 90% of mayors in the southwest are men. Henkel-Waidhofer sits for the Free Voters in the district council and has been a vocal advocate for parity and fighting against patriarchal structures.
Politically, she has clear ideas, particularly regarding traffic congestion and kindergartens and schools. Despite the sports hall project being blocked in the city's budget, she plans to gather comparative data to ensure the process moves forward as quickly as possible.
Henkel-Waidhofer's tenure as mayor has not been without controversy. She is currently involved in a procedure for the construction of a new sports hall in Wernau and has received recognition from other factions. However, an independent applicant, Krieger, has claimed that the Wernau city administration made mistakes around the necessary submission of signature forms, but these were not decisive for the election. Krieger, a rejected applicant, has gone to the Administrative Court in Mannheim to secure the admission of the appeal.
Henkel-Waidhofer's commitment to gender equality extends beyond her political career. She encourages women to support each other in various aspects of life, including family, work, studies, and during and after the family phase. Her thesis on spoiler candidates, which includes Thomas Nitzsch, reflects her dedication to challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity.
On International Women's Day, the state parliament in the southwest is dealing with societal inequalities. The Ministry of the Interior has invested 100,000 euros in the city council project "I can do it! - Mayor candidates sought", but it has not significantly changed the underrepresentation of women. Henkel-Waidhofer's election as mayor of Wernau is a testament to the power of women's determination and a step towards a more balanced future.
