§ 1: Aims of the network

The aim of the network is to strengthen evidence-based policy advice in the BMWK. To this end, the network provides accessible and agile advice on economic policy topics, specific policy proposals and consultations of the respective divisions of the Ministry, complementing established scientific policy advisory bodies. The relatively young members, along with the focus on female professors, contribute to a more diverse and enriched exchange between politics and academia. The network also serves as a forum for collecting new impulses for economic policy, communicate issues relevant to economic policy to the scientific community and discussing possible solutions. In terms of a stronger evidence base, the collaboration also includes access to data and scientific support for the implementation of policy measures.

§ 2: Composition of the network

The network consists of female academics with proven expertise who work as university lecturers or junior professors in the field of economics. The various disciplines of economics should be taken into account in the composition of the network. The number of members should be a minimum of ten and a maximum of 20. The BMWK appoints responsible BMWK contact persons for the network.

§ 3: Start and end of membership

Members shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the existing members by secret ballot at the proposal of the Network or the BMWK. The BMWK reserves the right to comment on proposals for new memberships. Necessary conditions for membership are identifying as female, and that the doctorate was awarded at most 10 years prior to the appointment to the network. Membership generally ends after 10 years. Parental leave (18 months per child) and caregiving time (with proof) are deducted from the membership period. At the same time, every member has the right to give up their membership at any time. Regular participation in the network meetings or separate counselling services is a prerequisite for continued membership.

§ 4: Chairmanship

The members elect a chairwoman and a deputy chairwoman from their group by a simple majority vote, both of whom serve a one-year term. A second term of office is possible in principle.

§ 5: Network meetings

The network meetings take place four times a year, of which at least one takes place in person. The next four dates should be scheduled as part of the yearly in-person meeting, if possible, but at least six weeks before the respective meeting. The content of the meetings is prepared alternately by the BMWK and the network itself. The prepared basis for discussion as well as written summaries and statements on the discussion are made available to the BMWK and may be used internally. The meetings are not open to the public. Members of the BMWK, the members of the Scientific Advisory Board at the BMWK and the German Council of Economic Experts may attend the meetings after consultation with the BMWK and the Network’s chairwoman. The network may invite guests to its meetings in consultation with the BMWK.

§ 6: Obligation of confidentiality

The members of the network must maintain confidentiality about the information made available to them. Furthermore, they are obliged to treat the subject matter of the consultations confidentially, unless the Federal Minister of Economics and Climate Protection lifts the duty of confidentiality.

Upon their appointment, the members shall be obliged to conscientiously fulfil the duty laid out in § 1.

§ 7: Section 7: Amendment of the Statute

The Articles of Association may be amended by a resolution of the Women Economists Network with a two-thirds majority of its members. Any amendment to the statutes requires the approval of the BMWK. Amendments to the Articles of Association may be proposed by the BMWK and adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members.

§ 8: Publicity

Membership in the Network is public.

§ 9: Evaluation of the network

Every four years, the BMWK will review the continued existence of the network. The first evaluation shall take place in the first half of 2026. In the course of this, the BMWK reserves the right to reorganise or dissolve the formal network. This does not require the consent of the members.

§ 10: Entry into force

These statutes enter into force on 24.04.2024.