Kleve and Magdeburg: Pioneers of equality in German cities!

Kleve and Magdeburg: Pioneers of equality in German cities!

On April 17, 2025, the award of the “Gender Award - municipality in the future 2025” was announced in Berlin. The city of Kleve achieved 1st place in the category "Municipalities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants". This is an recognition of their continuing efforts to equality and social justice. Magdeburg secured the 1st price in the category of big cities, while Münster took the 2nd place in this category. In the same category for smaller municipalities, Verden (all) achieved the 2nd place.

The annual award ceremony, which is organized for the fifth time by the Federal Working Group on municipal women's offices and equality agencies, serves to appreciate the successful equality work in the German municipalities. The equality-promoting work is regarded as the cornerstone of a modern society, such as Lokalkompass.de . The legal framework for equality is anchored in the Basic Law, Article 3 paragraph 2,

challenges and success of equality work

The equality work is not without challenges. Antifeminist tendencies, financial bottlenecks and the pressure on municipal women and equal opportunities officers make it difficult to implement projects. Many municipalities reported a lack of appreciation for equal opportunities or did not even decide to participate in the competition because the resources are declining.

Kleve impressed the jury in particular with the thematic diversity of its projects and the commitment of citizens. A violence concept was developed in a participatory process, which promotes citizen participation in municipal equality work. In addition, Kleve has initiated measures to increase the proportion of female managers in the administration, but the proportion of women in the top lead is only 0 % to 10 %.

political support and future prospects

Mayor Wolfgang Gebenged underlines the importance of the equal opportunities officer and the support of politics for this area. The newly adopted equality plan for 2024 to 2029 and the violence protection concept for 2025 to 2030 could pave the way for long -term changes. Yvonne Tertilte-Rübo, the city's equality officer, proudly commented on the award and emphasized the need for more financial means, personnel and political support in order to promote equality work.

The gender Awards jury consists of members of various organizations, including the Federal Forum Men and the German Women's Council. A total of 10 municipalities had applied, 9 of which were nominated: Braunschweig, Coburg, Kleve, Lübeck, Magdeburg, Münster, Potsdam, Verden (Aller) and Wuppertal. The award ceremony will take place on May 9, 2025 and is another step towards a fairer coexistence in the municipalities. equal rights.