“Official Secrets” podcast: mayor with passion

In the new episode of the Municipal Association podcast “Official Secrets”, Municipal Association President Johannes Pressl speaks with the former mayor of Stuhlfelden (Salzburg), Sonja Ottenbacherand the incumbent mayor Bernadette Geiger from Kaltenleutbaren (Lower Austria) about women in local politics, promoting young talent and empowerment programs for female candidates and top officials. In Austria there are currently almost eleven percent female local leaders – the number has increased enormously in the last 20 years, but there is still room for improvement. Why are women needed in local politics and what do women do differently than their male colleagues? – Municipal Association President Pressl discusses this and more with the two local politicians.

What it means to lead a church as a woman in a male-dominated world has changed in recent years: The 64-year-old Sonja Ottenbacher and the 32 year old Bernadette Geiger In the podcast conversation, they talk about their experiences in the job as mayor – then and now – about the challenges, but also the opportunities and advantages that the office brings with it. “If you want variety, flexible scheduling and daily excitement in your work, the mayor’s office is the perfect job,” says Bernadette Geiger. The job is becoming more and more demanding, not least because of a population that is increasingly demanding – as mayor you are responsible for everyone and everything. The most important requirement for the job as mayor is loud Sonja Ottenbacherthat you have to like people and have enthusiasm for the office. In order to support, strengthen and better network women in local politics, Ottenbacher launched an Austria-wide meeting of mayors in 2007, which takes place in a different municipality every year. Encouraging and empowering women is essential not only for future candidates, but also for officials and young political talent. “Women simply lead differently. They bring empathy and authenticity, but also their own quality in the discourse,” says Sonja Ottenbacher. That is why women in political leadership positions are indispensable for society – and as role models for girls and women in all areas, they are important role models and motivators.

You can listen to the new episode of our community association podcast “Official Secrets” on all common platforms here.