RECLAIM | European Role Models

In 2024 there is still a long way to go to create gender equality in the world and also in Europe. Even today, women are still underrepresented in political decision-making, and many women also state that politics is male-dominated because they are often not trusted enough. In reality, there are many causes for this imbalance - but where is the best place to start to eliminate it?

With the "RECLAIM | European Role Models" project, we want to make a contribution to giving women a voice in society and in debates and encouraging them to participate in policy-making despite structural disadvantages. "RECLAIM" is aimed at female activists and local politicians from Europe. It aims to raise awareness of gender inequalities, find ways to deal with them and empower each other - online and on the street.

The project contributes to supporting resilient women in digital space in order to give them the skills and experiences to make their voice heard! The project combines training sessions and best-case sharing on feminist European policy. It focuses on effective communication and leadership skills in order to be able to participate effectively in political discourse and decision-making; strengthening media skills to be more confident on social media; tackling digital hate speech and gender disinformation; and creating a European support network for local politicians and activists. Because despite all the hurdles that women can face on the way to equality, the following applies: No woman is ever alone. Because democratic processes need more than just one half of society.

The project duration is from 2023-2025.

Overview of this year's project activities (2024):

• End of May: Digital kick-off;
• 12 June | 24 July | 14 August (tbc.): Three digital workshops on media literacy with methods of co-creation processes, including the presentation of best-cases;
• August - September: Individual working phase to develop your own communication campaigns or strategies according to local needs;
• End of August: Digital closing event;
• 18-19 September (tbc.): Networking meeting in Berlin 

More detailed information will be available soon.

Overview of past project activities (2023):

The program is based on digital training sessions, which are combined with other activities. The digital trainings focus on three main topics: combating hate speech, communication strategies, and leadership skills. Every digital event including the training sessions is joined by a role model from a different country giving a short talk on her field of work followed by a group discussion. This gives the participants the opportunity to learn more about communication challenges and strategies in different fields of work. In addition, they gain and discuss different perspectives on the issue of gender equality and build a network. Furthermore in-person networking events take place in each participating country, aiming to connect the participants with their peers as well as politicans and activists in their region.

Based on the questions “What is your personal strategy to become more resilient and enhance female participation in local and foreign politics? What is your recommendation for other female politicians/activists?” the participants designed an individual digital project e.g. a communication campaign or strategy according to local needs. Thus they combined their insights and experiences from the program with the topics that are most relevant for them individually.

With kind support of the German Federal Foreign Office.

In cooperation with Association for International Affairs (AMO), Polish Robert Schuman Foundation, and ELIAMEP.