"Women, make yourselves more visible"

The nationwide network meeting for women in the skilled trades in Dortmund aimed to attract even more women to the skilled trades and to strengthen their role in the industry.

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

It should be a given that women can contribute to the various trades within the skilled crafts sector. Especially in light of the skilled worker shortage, it is important to open doors for women and enable their participation, said Kerstin Feix, Vice President of the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts , at the launch of the nationwide networking event for women in skilled crafts. The event, held at the Hansemann Education Center in Dortmund, was jointly organized by the Federal Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Skilled Crafts (UFH), the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), and the Dortmund Chamber.

The networking event offers an important opportunity for exchange: "Female craftspeople are also multipliers who can encourage other women and encourage them to keep going by sharing not only their successes but also their failures. It's important not to give up," Feix explained. Making women in the skilled trades more visible is also a key concern for her, emphasized North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Economic Affairs, Mona Neubaur (Green Party). To achieve this, women must network with each other and present themselves as a relevant part of the local economic power.

"All women can practice all trades"

"I would like to encourage women to seek opportunities in skilled trades and demonstrate their strengths in a profession that has a future," Neubaur said. Women too often hide their light under a bushel. Therefore, it is important that they dare to speak about their outstanding skills in skilled trades. "This takes courage. Networking events like this are a great opportunity to support one another, share experiences, and develop new ideas together." 

UFH Federal Chairwoman Katja Lilu Melder echoed her previous speakers: "All women can pursue all professions in the skilled trades." With its 5.000 members, the UFH has been committed to the interests of women in the skilled trades for 40 years "with a wealth of knowledge, incredible strength, heart and soul," she said. New members are welcome. 

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"Independence creates emancipation"

In her presentation on the topic "Strong Profile, Strong Crafts: Courage for Self-Determination and Visibility," entrepreneur and author Tijen Onaran emphasized that it is especially important for women to remain independent, self-confident, and self-determined. For her, earning their own money and standing on their own two feet is crucial. "Financial independence creates emancipation and mental independence for us women. We must make ourselves visible, because each of us has something to say. Women in the skilled trades need more visibility."

Women shouldn't wait to be discovered. "Each of us has something to say." It's the responsibility of women in the skilled trades to actively ensure greater visibility. In doing so, solidarity and cohesion among each other are essential for empowering women. "Skilled trades, in particular, have so much strength, so much power, and so much courage; we can't leave it to just one gender." Diversity is especially needed in the skilled trades, says Onaran. "It's our job to use our voices, to empower one another, and to promote each other."

"Women are strong role models"

In a video message, ZDH President Jörg Dittrich spoke frankly: "The consequences of men acting like tough guys can be observed around the world recently: often enough, chaos." Power without brains doesn't make anyone strong. Fortunately, there are more and more women in the skilled trades. They are strong role models. "They have something to say. And we would be ill-advised not to listen carefully to them." The ZDH also benefits from its involvement in representing the skilled trades' interests to politicians in Berlin. "Your issues are our issues. Only with you and even more women are we strong enough to say: 'We can do anything.'"

Workshops: In two workshops with career consultant Linda Bosse and speaker Katharina Hofer-Schillen, participants explored the topics of empowerment and networking, as well as the work-life balance. "We all have many roles; we are not only mothers, but also sisters, daughters-in-law, partners, and much more. We have to shape our lives in a way that suits us," said Hofer-Schillen. She explained that major changes aren't always necessary; often, small steps are enough to improve quality of life. From her perspective, it's important to seek support and accept help. "Women should decide for themselves what career means to them," Linda Bosse summarized in her presentation, introducing the three key drivers of career success: personal expertise (one's own professional skills and qualities), personal brand (making one's strengths visible), and personal community (which includes an interest in people and the ability to build bridges and relationships).

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