Kick-off for the “Girls in Politics” project on International Day of Girls Kick-off for the “Girls in Politics” project on International Day of Girls
Vienna (OTS) – Today, October 11th, is International Day of Girls, which once again this year marks the start of the “Girls in Politics” project by the Federal Chancellery and the Association of Municipalities.
As part of this project, girls and young women can look over the shoulders of mayors throughout Austria as they go about their daily work and gain a direct insight into their everyday lives and their tasks. The girls and young women learn more about political processes and procedures in local politics and at the same time can explore whether politics is a possible career path for them. Over 80 communities from all over Austria are taking part in this project, thereby helping to strengthen girls with political interests and women in politics.
Women’s Minister Susanne Raab: “After the successful pilot project last year, I am very pleased that ‘Girls in Politics’ is again very popular this year and that we have already been able to win over 80 communities from eight federal states. As Minister for Women, it is important to me to strengthen women in politics at all levels. The ‘Girls in Politics’ project aims to help break down stereotypical role models and inspire girls and young women to get involved in politics.”
Further increasing the proportion of women at the local level is also a focus of the Austrian Association of Municipalities: “The Austrian Association of Municipalities has been committed to motivating and empowering women in local politics for many years. In addition to the vice presidents at the head of our advocacy group, our own mayoral group and the annual mayoral meeting, the ‘Girls in Politics’ campaign is another important building block that sets an example for visible women’s politics and at the same time motivates and encourages us to bring more women into local politics . As diverse as our communities are, the ideas behind this campaign are just as diverse. I am pleased that so many mayors support this campaign and bring the girls closer to local politics and this wonderful profession. But I am particularly pleased that this year the mayors are also invited to give girls and young women an insight into their work as part of this joint initiative. Because active women’s policy and empowerment for women must support women and men equally,” says community association vice-president Andrea Kaufmann.
The “Girls in Politics” pilot project has been taking place since 2022 in collaboration with the Section for Women’s Affairs and Equality in the Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Association of Municipalities. Further details and a list of participating communities can be found online: www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/girlsinpolitics
Questions & Contact:
Press office of Federal Minister Susanne Raab
+43 1/53115-0
presse-ffji@bka.gv.at
