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Seminar for Local Politicians: Strategies to Combat Hatred and Instigation

Workshop on Empowering Women in Local Politics: A Discourse on Countering Hate and Provocation

Strategic session for local politicians: approaches to counteracting hatred and provocation
Strategic session for local politicians: approaches to counteracting hatred and provocation

Seminar for Local Politicians: Strategies to Combat Hatred and Instigation

In the city of Lünen, a significant step was taken towards empowering women in local politics with a workshop titled "Strategies in Dealing with Hate and Hate Speech - Strengthening Women in Local Politics." The event, held on August 29, 2025, at the Bürgerzentrum Gahmen, was organised by Heike Tatsch, the Equal Opportunities Officer of the city.

The workshop aimed to provide women running for democratic parties or voter communities in the upcoming local election and Integration Council election on September 14 with tools to counter online harassment and strategies for dealing with hate and hate speech.

Heike Tatsch emphasised the importance of strengthening women in local politics to make a difference in their living environment. The first part of the workshop explained the definition of hate and hate speech, its consequences, and legal options to counter it.

Ten women from different parties and voter communities participated in the workshop, sharing their own experiences and developing strategies to protect against online harassment. The positive feedback from the event has led to plans for a follow-up event next year.

The continuation of the workshop "Strategien gegen Hass und Hassreden - Stärken von Frauen in der lokalen Politik" next year will be offered by FUMA Fachstelle Gender & Diversität NRW. The events are planned to take place in Essen and online between August and November 2025.

The workshop was not limited to a one-time occurrence, indicating a commitment to continued support for women in local politics. This can discourage potential candidates or drive them away, making it important to provide tools and create networking opportunities for those willing to engage in local politics.

The Equal Opportunities Officer's statement underscores the ongoing need for such workshops to address the issue of hate and hate speech in local politics. Women are more frequently affected by hate and hate speech, often including sexualized violence, in local politics. This can be a significant barrier to their participation and empowerment in local politics.

The Bürgerzentrum Gahmen, a location where events, such as the workshop, can be held, played a crucial role in facilitating this important gathering. The workshop offered a safe space for women to discuss their experiences, learn strategies to counter hate and hate speech, and network with other women in local politics.

The local election and Integration Council election are scheduled for September 14, 2025, and this workshop is a testament to the city of Lünen's commitment to encouraging and supporting women's participation in these important democratic processes.

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