The Coordination Office for Women and Careers Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Last year alone, 900 women participated in events and 300 received individual counseling.

Empowering women in their professional development while helping companies attract and retain skilled workers: For 30 years, the Coordination Office for Women and Careers in the Hannover Region has been connecting both sides of the labor market. Current figures show just how in demand the office’s services are: In 2025 alone, nearly 900 women participated in events, and more than 300 counseling sessions were conducted. Many seminars are already fully booked shortly after the annual program is published.

“The demand for skilled workers is one of the major challenges facing our economy. At the same time, many women possess qualifications and skills that are increasingly in demand in the labor market. This is precisely where the Coordination Office has been focusing its efforts for the past 30 years: It opens up career opportunities and works together with companies to create conditions that make it possible to attract and retain skilled workers over the long term. This benefits both sides—and, consequently, the entire Hannover Region as a business hub.”

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department for the Hannover Region

The Coordination Office—From Returning to Work to Career Development

Volles Publikum und Bühne mit sechs Menschen.

The Coordination Office’s roots date back to 1991. At that time, the former Hanover district established an advisory center for women returning to work. The impetus was the growing number of women who wanted to re-enter the workforce after a family-related career break. What began as a temporary initiative evolved into a permanent mission in the years that followed.

As the labor market has changed, the issues addressed have also evolved. Today, in addition to re-entering the workforce, the focus includes career reorientation and training, professional development, work-life balance, and economic independence.

In doing so, the Coordination Center takes a holistic view of an individual’s entire employment history. This includes, for example, the question of what long-term effects extended periods of part-time work may have on income, career development, and retirement security

Connecting, Networking, Advising

The Coordination Office offers individual counseling, seminars, and training programs, while also maintaining a presence in the region’s cities and municipalities. A particular focus is on counseling women with an immigrant background. In addition, it provides networking opportunities and collaborates with local governments, adult education centers, the Employment Agency, the Job Center, and other regional partners.

At the same time, the work is explicitly aimed at businesses. A key component is the Inter-Company Network, which was founded in 1997 with 13 member companies and whose secretariat is managed by the Coordination Office. Today, it comprises around 30 companies. Among other things, the focus is on family-friendly working conditions and the question of how companies can attract and retain qualified female employees in the long term

» Our work doesn’t end with a consultation or a seminar. We want to build connections. We bring women—with their skills and career aspirations—together with companies seeking qualified female employees. At the same time, we listen closely to what companies need. Networking plays a key role in this process. When women, companies, and regional partners engage in dialogue, new connections, perspectives, and concrete career opportunities emerge. «

Ayten Berse, Director of the Coordination Office for Women and Careers

Sechs Personen auf der Bühne an Stehtischen mit Mikrofonen.

Veranstaltungsraum im Hintergrund. Blumenstrauß, Kerze und Postkarte im Vordergrund.

Zwei Männer und drei Frauen vor einer rosa Wand.

Making Better Use of Skilled Workforce Potential

The importance of this intermediary role is growing. Given the demand for skilled workers, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to tap into existing potential and adapt working conditions to different life stages. In addition to balancing family and career, the focus is increasingly shifting toward balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.

The Coordination Office is therefore continuously expanding its services. On-site counseling will play just as important a role as digital formats and regional networks. The goal remains to enable women to secure employment that matches their qualifications and provides a living wage, and to support companies in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

The “Women and Work” Coordination Office for the Hannover Region is funded by the State of Lower Saxony and the European Union.