The NRW State Association of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts sector met at the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts. (Photo: © Anette Hammer / Freistil Fotografie / UFH)

Read aloud:

Lots of girl power in Cologne

Women in Crafts - Special Features

April 2023

At the 33rd NRW regional association conference of "Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts" in Cologne, networking was once again held in person and the influence of strong women was highlighted.

This article is part of the special feature on women in the trades.

The conference of the North Rhine-Westphalia state association of " Women Entrepreneurs in Crafts " (UFH) at the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts focused on the topic of female role models . "Here in Cologne, there is already absolute female power ," said state chairwoman Juana Bleker , introducing Mayor Henriette Reker for a welcoming address. The politician has held this office in Cologne since 2015 and has ensured that 50 percent of the top management positions are held by women. "They demonstrate why a strong skilled trades sector needs strong women," Reker emphasized.

"We need female role models ," said Garrelt Duin , CEO of the Cologne Chamber of Commerce. North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Economic Affairs, Mona Neubaur (Greens), gave a keynote address. She touched on various topics, ranging from the "Maternity Protection for All" initiative, which is necessary for all those who don't want to choose between children and career, to climate protection.

No climate protection without skilled trades

"Young people want meaningful work," Neubaur observes. And that's perfectly possible in the field of climate protection . "Because we need those who can implement it. We also need those who can repair things and build things that can be repaired. Innovation needs tradition." Neubaur also drew attention to the war in Ukraine and the gas shortage: "The expansion of renewable energies is of paramount importance." Implementation is impossible without skilled tradespeople.

Speaker Claudia Kleinert then presented her recipes for success for unbeatable communication . "Women usually only want to convey positive things. But we also sometimes bang our fists on the table. Knowing I can do it myself is simply invaluable. I have a toolbox at home that would make any professional tradesman envious." Kleinert offered plenty of helpful tips in her presentation for home use: "We are always communicating. And preparation is absolutely crucial for every presentation. Everyone who wants to be good does it." A combination of the four elements— emotion, body language, facts, and language— clearly promises success.