Domestic violence, care issues, divorce – these are just some of the problems that female citizens in particular turn to nadine bock for help with. For more than a year, the head of the department for municipal and social affairs has also been the equal opportunities officer at the district administration office. Most people contact her by phone before making an appointment for a face-to-face discussion. "You take serious traps home with you to a certain extent", she admits.
It becomes emotionally stressful for bock when her counterpart can no longer hold back his tears. "When I feel like I'm helpless and can hardly do anything, it's hard", she explains. Nevertheless, those who seek to speak with her also want to get something off their chest. Even if it is sometimes difficult language, she is happy about this sign of confidence.
The 32-year-old sees her work as a "distribution function". She informs victims about what they can expect, refers them to lawyers, counseling or other contact points, and encourages them to defend themselves against grievances. The lawyer is not allowed to give legal advice. Nevertheless, she really appreciates being able to campaign for issues that are close to her heart. "You can't just react, you can create and make a difference."
Re-entry into the profession made difficult
How to arrange working hours or return to work after parental leave are other important issues bock is looking at. Women also seek advice on seemingly trivial matters, such as how to write a resume correctly. "Women are super educated. But after they have had children, it is already more difficult for them to return to work", bock emphasizes.
Equality is not just an issue for women, but also for men. At the so-called "boys day young men are to be made aware of typical female professions. There are still too few male elementary school teachers and kindergartners. Bock explains: "equality concerns everyone, regardless of gender. Everyone should have the same opportunities to make the best of their lives."
The equal opportunities officer not only takes care of citizens' concerns, she is also responsible for the employees of the district office's departments. She is present at recruitment interviews or, if necessary, is called in for crisis interviews.
In addition to consulting, bock also plans and organizes events. For example, together with her deputy melanie schafer and her co-worker gabriele metz, she also organized the exhibition "i'll have to ask my husband first!?" The county councilor thomas bold has opened yesterday. He quoted from the famous song of lucy lectric: "no resistance man, because I win anyway, because I'm a girl." However, he had to admit: "we haven't got that far yet." And perhaps that is why a visit to this exhibition in the courtyard of the district administration office is highly recommended – also and above all for men.