How it all started
The first official discussion on the topic of diversity and equality took place at one of our Open Space events in the summer of 2021. In this exchange format, colleagues come together virtually, bring in questions or topics of discussion and discuss them in various sessions. After a discussion on the topic of female leadership, a number of colleagues decided to address the issue of gender equality in a first workshop. Since then, we have regularly exchanged ideas in the community and organized networking events to discuss the topic with everyone in the company.
Why do we need mission fe:male?
But why do we need mission fe:male? My first impulse was to ask the question in our community and collect answers. This worked before, when I brought some representatives of the community on stage with me at our first Company Homecoming. Those who wanted to could present their own personal reason why they are involved in mission fe:male or why they find the initiative important. Female Empowerment is now not just one point of view and one right way. It celebrates our differences and the benefits that come from different perspectives for our society and for meinestadt.de.
All perspectives would go beyond the scope – I have a word limit – so I’m speaking for myself this time. As an example of why this topic has a place in the company.
My personal story
Three months before I suddenly stood on stage in front of 200 colleagues – at the already mentioned Homecoming event – I had a very productive jour fixe with my team lead. She told me for the first time about the planned workshop on female empowerment. At the time, I had just resolved to work on my communication skills since even at our daily meetings in Team Editorial Content (best team, by the way), I was having trouble presenting what I was planning for the day and what I had accomplished the day before.
“Find a topic that excites you and take every chance to talk about it.”
freely quoted phrase from “How to own the room” by Viv Groskop
The topic of equality excites me so much that I have managed to overcome my fears. It is important to me to be able to talk about it. At the same time, the regulars’ tables and meetings were places that empowered me. The result: I took the opportunity and, together with my colleagues, presented “mission fe:male” to the entire company as a highlight. Since then, no project presentation can scare me.
Thats what we want:
Equality is not a women’s issue. Stigmatization affects all genders. We want a workplace where we can be ourselves. It’s about everyone being able to freely shape their own lives. Whether the focus is on family, career, personal development or wherever else.
Through our community mission fe:male, we support each other and create the best possible workspace for us together.
Martha is content manager at meinestadt.de and has been involved in the mission fe:male initiative since its launch.