The role of an equal opportunities officer is defined in Article 3, paragraph 2 of the German Basic Law, which states: "Men and women shall have equal rights. The state shall promote the actual realisation of equal rights for women and men and work towards the elimination of existing disadvantages."
Articles 8 and 18 of the Saxon Constitution take up this intention: "The promotion of the legal and actual equality of women and men is the task of the state." (Art. 8) "Women and men have equal rights." (Art. 18)
The task of the Federal Republic of Germany to implement the constitutional principle of equal rights for men and women in practice is therefore also the task of local government and the city council. They appoint a full-time equal opportunities officer.
The special feature of her work is that she reports directly to the Lord Mayor and is not subject to instructions. The tasks of an equal opportunities officer are interdepartmental and represent typical cross-sectional tasks.
She is the contact person and lobbyist for issues relating to the realisation of gender equality and equal opportunities for all people in all areas of life.
The Equal Opportunities Officer:
...develops, initiates, advises, supports, networks, promotes, organises, negotiates and designs projects for the equal participation of all people in public life
...is the contact person for women and men in difficult circumstances and life situations, e.g. in cases of domestic violence
...organises specialist days and conferences, holds information and discussion events to raise public awareness of gender equality
...is actively committed to improving the compatibility of family and career
...supports gender-politically active projects, networks and initiatives on site that contribute to improving the situation of people and works closely with them
...provides initial counselling for those seeking advice in individual cases
...ensures that gender equality issues are incorporated and taken into account in the work of the city administration, political bodies and the city council