Gender democracy as a goal and an organisational principle

Gender democracy aims to establish democracy between men and women. It then
goes beyond formal equality and although it means recognising difference, it
aims to ensure that equal rights and opportunities are nonetheless open to all.

Gender democracy is an ideal, and an organisational principle. It is a
useful means of breaking open and challenging gender hierarchies and gender
roles which have become ossified in social institutions and organisations.

Gender democracy at the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Gender democracy is anchored in the statutes of
the Heinrich Böll Foundation; it is a fundamental approach with an important
role to play in all of the foundation’s work. It not only guides the foundation’s
work, it is also an important organisational principle which can be used to
democratise gender hierarchies and sensitise employees towards gender
differences and discrimination, while enabling them to advocate gender equality
at work [more].

‘Gender democracy is part of the Heinrich Böll
Foundation’s philosophy. It is not merely an approach among others, just as
democracy in a democratic state is never simply one approach among others. It
is the central principle for a community which aims to form a system of
organisation based on shared values.’ (Geschlechterdemokratie
2000 – Zehn Thesen zur Diskussion, Gunda Werner, October 1999 [PDF, German]).

The conditions needed for gender democratic modes of organisation
Gender democracy should not be seen as a
long-term goal, but as something that can be achieved in the here and now. The
following points provide the basis of an assessment which can help demonstrate
whether or not changes which have been made to a group, organisation or society
have led to gender equality:

• the acceptance that diverse gendered identities exist, other than the
  dichotomy of the male/female sexual identity
• that relationships can be formed by anyone, independent of the meanings
  ascribed to gendered identities. Furthermore, that these relationships are not
  marked by gender-specific mechanisms of power and domination
• that numerous ideals and ways of life have been accepted as part of the
  symbolic gender order. Additionally, that all are seen as equally valid, and
  are neither marginalised nor based upon male or female stereotypes and clichés
• and that equal opportunities exists for all regardless of gender.
  Patriarchal structures then no longer determine social relations, and gender
  plays no role in the distribution of positions, labour or power.

Gender democracy depends on gender competency
Establishing gender democracy in an organisation
is a far-reaching change which can lead to fears and resistance among managers
and employees. In order to accompany such a complex process of restructuring,
the Gunda Werner Institute offers an extensive consultancy service. We can
provide qualified gender consultancy and training to help managers and
employees implement gender competencies. This can help ensure efficiency and
prevent undesirable developments and conflicts from arising during the
implementation of gender democracy.

Changes to politics and society through a new gender order

Gender democracy must be realised on all levels
of society: on a political, social and organisational level as well as on the
level of everyday interactions. On a social and personal level this also means
leaving behind structural patterns of hegemonic masculinity which continue to
shape career paths and hierarchies in many companies and institutions. Gender
order is a fundamental structural element of politics and society. This means
that ensuring the equal participation of women and men in political
decision-making and equal access to resources will entail a change to the
current power relations in society [see also Men’s Politics and Gender Mainstreaming].

Gender democracy can be learned

Gender competency is taught in our gender training seminars. These introduce strategies, tools and methods of
implementing an emancipatory gender policy. Our gender seminars are workshops
which help sensitise people to their often unintentional gender roles and
patterns, while providing space for critical reflection.