The Careers Congress has a new name this year. What is behind it?

After 20 years of Womenpower, it was time to take the next step. From the one-day event on the last day of the Hannover Messe, we wanted to give our topics more space. The aim is to achieve closer integration with the Hannover Messe, particularly on the trade fair side. It was clear to us that if we were going to rethink a lot of things, then we also needed a new name that focused more on careers. After much deliberation and many ideas for a name, we came up with "Femworx" and are very happy with it. The syllable "fem" is short for "female", and "worx" refers to the world of work and career opportunities. The "X" is a little play on the X chromosome and math/science, where "x" is often sought. We offer the solution to this, and so you will find many female talents with us.

What are the main topics of this year's congress?

This year, our lectures and workshops are divided into seven topics. Career, Leadership, New Work and Entrepreneurship are the basic topics that we have established well in recent years. New this year are the topics of Gender Design, Finance and Health. In addition to a very technical topic, we really wanted to include two topics on the agenda that affect us all but are unfortunately all too often neglected.

What are the main objectives of this career congress for women in industry?

The Femworx program promises a mix of exciting talks, lively panel discussions, interactive workshops and plenty of networking opportunities - all designed to empower women at all stages of their careers. The accompanying exhibition will provide a wealth of information on career opportunities, study, coaching and mentoring opportunities, as well as current labor policy issues and trends. We hope that the Femworx Career Congress will inspire all participants and help them make valuable contacts to pursue their professional goals with determination and passion.

What types of networking opportunities are offered at the congress?

As we have been able to extend our program to two event days, there are even more opportunities for networking this year: be it between different program items, in the middle of the accompanying exhibition area or over lunch. If you still haven't had enough after the first day of the congress, you are of course welcome to register for our Networking Night and round off the day in a relaxed atmosphere. On the second day, there will also be plenty of opportunities for networking: If you are looking for a job, you can register for our "Job Offer Talks - Speed-Date your Job" format, among others. Those who do not yet feel confident in networking will find many opportunities in the program to develop their skills in this regard.

The congress is taking place for the 21st time, what has changed in the last 20 years? How has the role of women changed?

Over the last two decades, the role of women in industry has changed dramatically. Women are now present in a variety of areas and are increasingly taking on management positions. The work culture has also changed with more flexibility and a focus on work-life balance. Companies are increasingly focusing on diversity and inclusion. There is a growing awareness of gender inequality and women have better access to education and training. Despite this progress, we still face challenges in terms of equality and equal opportunities that need to be addressed.

What challenges do you see for women in the industry, especially in management positions?

Despite great progress, women still struggle with gender stereotypes and the "glass ceiling". There is often a lack of specific support, for example through mentoring programs, in order to advance to management positions. Work-life balance and pay inequality are still major problems. In addition, women are still underrepresented in some industries. There is an urgent need to take targeted measures to promote women in industry and offer equal opportunities for management positions.

What measures could be taken to encourage women to pursue a career in the industry?

A first step would be to make inspiring role models visible. They show what is possible, empower others in their abilities and encourage them to break new ground. Furthermore, the provision of modern education and training programs is crucial to provide women with the necessary skills. Flexible working models that enable a better work-life balance also play an important role. Companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion and create opportunities where women feel supported and heard. Networks and communities for women in industry can provide valuable support, while financial incentives, such as scholarships, can encourage women to pursue their career goals. The above measures alone can only make a difference if barriers to career progression are removed at the same time. In addition to all the measures mentioned, companies should highlight prospects and career opportunities for female career changers, such as at our Femworx Career Congress.

What role does education play in the advancement of women in industry and what changes could be made to education programs to support this?

I think that education plays a crucial role in being successful in the industry. In order to support women on this path, educational programs could already be adapted at school: increased support in the mint sector, support via different support programs, strengthening diversity and flexibility as well as the opportunity to gain practical experience at an early stage. These measures alone could make a big difference.