Cliché-free initiative

The city of Bonn is committed to ensuring that young people can choose a career free of gender stereotypes. It joined the Klischeefrei initiative at the beginning of 2022.

All contents of the Kita method set Klischeefrei at a glance: Occupation picture book, occupation memo game, method folder, storage bag

Contents of the Kita method set from the Klischeefrei initiative at a glance: Occupation picture book, occupation memo game, method folder, storage bag

The Klischeefrei initiative, under the patronage of Elke Büdenbender, campaigns for a career and study choice free of gender stereotypes. The nationwide association of partner organizations from education, politics, business, practice and science implements target-oriented measures, networks and exchanges materials and good practice examples. The initiative therefore fits in well with the employer campaign "Bonn macht Karriere" and the topic of "Overcoming prejudices and role stereotypes" as the goal of the Equal Opportunities Office, which initiated the membership.

The Klischeefrei initiative is also an established measure to promote gender equality in Agenda 2030, the German government's sustainability strategy. Bonn's participation thus fits in with Goal 5 "Gender Equality" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the city's sustainability strategy.

Further information on the Klischeefrei initiative can be found at

www.klischee-frei.de (opens in a new tab)

The City of Bonn's commitment to gender sensitivity

Gender sensitivity and freedom from stereotypes have been a topic in the work of the Equal Opportunities Office and the Bonn city administration for years. As a major employer, the issue is also close to the administration's heart. Since 2007, for example, the city has taken part in Girls' and Boys' Day so that young people can get a taste of "typical" professions of the other gender.

Since 2019, the media kit "Diversity in families and lifestyles" has been available to borrow from the city library for professionals in childcare facilities and since 2020, the city has been a cooperation partner of Equal Care Day, which aims to make care work, i.e. the (usually poorly paid or unpaid) care of others, visible and ensure that it is appropriately recognized.

One topic of the Klischeefrei initiative is early education: creating equal opportunities for all children. Children are diverse. That is why they need free development opportunities that strengthen their individuality without restrictive gender stereotypes. Looking at every child independently of stereotypes and prejudices opens up the opportunity to recognize and promote personal preferences and potential at an early age.