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Seminar for local politicos: tactics for combating bigotry and provocation

Workshop Titled: Countering Hate and Hostility in Politics - Empowering Female Candidates in Local Government, led by Equal Opportunity Officer Heike Tatsch at Bürgerzentrum Gahmen, invites all female candidates running for democratic parties or voter associations in the upcoming local...

Training session for local politicians: methods to combat hatred and instigation
Training session for local politicians: methods to combat hatred and instigation

Seminar for local politicos: tactics for combating bigotry and provocation

On August 29, 2025, Heike Tatsch, the Equal Opportunities Officer of the city of Lünen, Germany, hosted a workshop titled "Strategies in Dealing with Hate and Hate Speech - Strengthening Women in Local Politics". The event, held at the Bürgerzentrum Gahmen, attracted ten women from various parties and voter communities.

The workshop began with a discussion on the definition of hate and hate speech, its consequences, and legal countermeasures. Heike Tatsch emphasized the disproportionate impact of hate and hate speech on women, often including sexualized violence, and highlighted its importance in local politics for democracy.

The second part of the workshop focused on developing strategies for protection against online harassment. Participants shared personal experiences and discussed potential solutions to combat this issue. Heike Tatsch invited all women who are running for democratic parties or voter communities in the upcoming local elections and the election of the Integration Council on September 14.

The Equal Opportunities Officer stated the need to strengthen women in local politics by providing them with tools and networking opportunities. The workshop received positive feedback, prompting plans for a follow-up event in the next year.

It is crucial to note that there is no available information about which of the ten women at Heike Tatsch's event are candidates for a democratic party or voters' association in the local elections on September 14. However, the workshop aimed to empower and equip these women, regardless of their political status, to navigate the challenges they may face in local politics.

Such incidents of hate and harassment discourage potential candidates or cause them to withdraw, which can lead to a lack of representation and diversity in local politics. Heike Tatsch's workshop is a significant step towards addressing this issue and fostering a more inclusive political landscape.

The local elections and the election of the Integration Council in Lünen are scheduled for September 14, 2025. The workshop, held in the heart of Lünen at the Bürgerzentrum Gahmen, serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing hate and hate speech in local politics and the role each individual can play in promoting a more inclusive and democratic society.

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