Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier introduces a women's quota of at least 40 percent for the awarding of Orders of Merit. On Wednesday he called for more women to be nominated for this award: “Women achieve great things in our society. Whether in clubs, companies, at universities or in culture – women ensure cohesion, humanity, progress and creativity.” They deserve thanks for this, “but also more visible recognition”.
Although women and men are equally committed in our society, only about a third of the orders go to women, said the Office of the Federal President. Steinmeier said deserving women are everywhere. “Look around, in your neighborhood, in your free time, at your colleagues. The Order of Merit lives on the suggestions I get from you for the award of the Federal Cross of Merit.”
The award is a way to honor outstanding achievements for our community, said Steinmeier. "And it's a way to give more women the recognition they deserve."
Every citizen can nominate another person for the award of the Order of Merit. The proposal is to be addressed to the state or senate chancellery of the respective federal state. They examine the order's suggestion and then pass it on to the Federal President for a decision.
Steinmeier expects the state and senate chancelleries to include at least 40 percent women in their proposals in the future. As long as this is not the case, men would have to wait longer for an award.
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