Andrea Kaufmann: I don’t think that the gender of a Mayor makes any difference

On the occasion of the Women's Day, read our interview with the mayor of Dornbirn, Austria

Since May 2013, Andrea Kaufmann has been the first woman mayor of her home town of Dornbirn. Kaufmann was reelected mayor of Dornbirn on 15 March 2015. See her full biography and additional information about Dornbirn here.      

Mrs Kaufmann, how do you manage to combine professional career and private life?

It is pretty much about organizing things in a smart way which - I admit - is always challenging. Fortunately, the support of family and friends gives me the space to combine both.

Are there more advantages or disadvantages in being a female mayor?

I don’t think that the gender of a Mayor makes any difference. As a Mayor you need to love the city and the people; you need to see the issues and the challenges, and you need to talk to the people. Good leadership isn’t male or female. It’s about developing the city with the citizens. Though it would be good having more female colleagues.

What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in their work?

Just be courageous and go your own way - you can do much more than you think. Approach people with an emphatic, appreciative attitude and show assertiveness when necessary. I think that is the most important thing.