Women in Culture and Media
In July 2017, the topic “Women in Culture & Media” became a stand-alone field of work within the German Cultural Council (Deutscher Kulturrat) taking the shape of a so-called “Project Office”. Its creation goes back to the study with the same name undertaken by the German Cultural Council and funded by Professor Monika Grütters, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, which clearly shows that in the sphere of culture and media, across all areas of activity, gender justice has still a long way to go.
Hence, the field of work dedicated to “Women in Culture & Media“ aims to enhance the discourse on gender equality and support it through the implementation of concrete measures such as a mentoring programme, further studies, nationwide network activities across all fields of culture, own events as well as the phrasing of political demands – to ensure that, finally, more women occupy leadership positions, enjoy family-friendly working conditions and are able to realise their full artistic potential.
Overseeing and implementing a 1:1 mentoring programme
for women working in the cultural and media sector – to ensure that, eventually, more women play a key role in the cultural and media industry and/or politics and administration and enjoy proper representation in the cultural community. The chosen mentees are allocated one mentor each who have achieved outstanding cultural success or hold leadership positions in cultural establishments and/or the creative industry and relish the idea of passing on some of their knowhow to women with ambition. Apart from receiving the chance to work in tandem, the mentees are supported by a comprehensive programme that provides both professional development and offers them many opportunities to compare notes on certain subjects and develop their own network.
Conception of dossiers to supplement the Politik & Kultur journal.
The approximately 60-page supplements cover assorted topics about the life of Women in Culture & Media: “How female is the cultural industry?”, “From 0 to 100 – Ageing as cultural workers” or “Co-leadership – dynamic duo? Leading together in the field of culture”.
Linking established as well as newly set-up groups of women
who, in their respective fields, are actively engaged in the promotion of gender equality. Meetings to compare notes on certain subjects are organised so that the participants can join forces and the many women, who tend to volunteer their services, can find out about each other and tackle tasks together. To provide greater transparency, this website offers an overview of the various networks.
Studies on the subject produced by the German Cultural Council
So far, the German Cultural Council has published numerous studies on the subject. They will, in future, be complemented by further analyses to examine and shine a light on the specific situation of Women in Culture & Media and continuously work towards an improvement of working conditions. In addition, this website provides a database of studies on the subject area.
Working group on gender justice at the German Cultural Council
During the first project phase from 2017 to 2020 an interdisciplinary working group was set up that produced a comprehensive report on the subject of gender justice. It contained a list of demands that was published by the Speakers’ Committee (Sprecherrat) of the German Cultural Council.
Establishment of a contact and advice bureau
In addition to nationwide networking activities, this function is flanked by interviews and background discussions, participation in events and panel discussions as well as lectures at conferences or attended by students. Women in Culture & Media may contact us with all manner of concerns. We answer their questions, put them in contact with others and welcome suggestions.