"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 topic women in crafts

It should be a matter of course that women can participate in the various professional fields of the skilled trades. Especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers, it is important to open doors for women and enable them to participate, said Kerstin Feix, Vice President of the Dortmund Chamber of Crafts, to launch the nationwide network meeting for women in the skilled trades. The event at the Hansemann training center in Dortmund was jointly organized by Federal Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Crafts (UFH), the Central Association of German 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.'"

WorkshopsIn two workshops with career counselor Linda Bosse and speaker Katharina Hofer-Schillen, participants delved deeper into the topics of empowerment and networking, as well as balancing family and career. "We all have many roles; we are not just mothers, but also sisters, daughters-in-law, partners, and much more. We have to shape our lives to suit us," said Hofer-Schillen. Major changes aren't necessary; small steps are often enough to improve our quality of life. In her view, it's important to seek out support and accept help. "Women should decide for themselves what career means to them," Linda Bosse summarized in her presentation, introducing the three career levers: personal expertise, one's own professional skills and characteristics; personal brand, highlighting what one is good at; and personal community, which includes an interest in people and the ability to build bridges and relationships.

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