Start of the Women’s Academy

Starting the Women’s Academy, the FPÖ Education Institute opened a new training path on 29 March 2019. A course designed specifically for women to encourage them to engage in the party and politics in responsible positions.

Arriving from all over Austria, the participants were welcomed in Vienna by FPÖ spokesperson and head of the FPÖ Women’s Initiative (iFF), Member of the National Council Carmen Schimanek. Ms Schimanek underlined how important it is to support strong female politicians and highly qualified female leaders: “We are committed to strengthening women’s faith in their own abilities, and to attract more women to responsible positions.” And this is not about quotas or about gender inclusivity in language, this is about having strong women in politics.

Managing director of the FPÖ Education Institute Klaus Nittmann was happy to see the great interest of the participants, and pointed out the importance of quality training in politics. “We convey competence and resilience for those who need it to gird themselves mentally and with knowledge for political competition. That this has been very well-received in all the states of Austria shows us that, with the Women’s Academy, we were able to put an attractive programme for female politicians in place”, Nittmann said. The idea is to encourage as many women as possible to engage in politics. “I believe the new course will take us a big step closer to our aim.”

Carmen Schimanek held a highly motivated and spirited first module, and took the opportunity to add to trainer Petra Janaczek’s presentation with tips and anecdotes from her experience as Member of the National Council.

Awarding a certificate upon completion, the new training path of the Women’s Academy includes five part-time modules nationwide and a mandatory elective seminar. Highly qualified presenters cover, elaborate and give training on topics including political science, rhetoric, media science, motivation strategies and other essential areas to best prepare participants for the challenges female political leaders face.