Female Representative Makes History in NRW's Honorary Position

In a historic move, Clarissa Engels has been elected as the state spokesperson for the Technical Relief Agency (THW) in North Rhine-Westphalia. This marks a significant moment as Engels is the first woman to hold this position nationwide.

The election took place in Hilden and was met with widespread approval. Nicolas Hefner, the state representative for North Rhine-Westphalia, expressed his pleasure with Engels' election, believing it sends a strong signal for more diversity and participation in the THW.

Engels brings extensive experience from her voluntary work in the THW, having previously served as deputy state spokesperson for the organisation. She acknowledged the current challenges in civil protection and is committed to ensuring preparedness in North Rhine-Westphalia. Upon her election, she expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the volunteers who elected her to this leadership position.

The THW state speaking trio now represents the interests of the volunteers towards the state representative and in state and national committee work. Alongside Engels, Jens Bergemann was newly elected to the THW state speaking trio, joining Oliver Schieferstein and completing the team.

The election underscores the THW's commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of women in volunteering. In recent years, the THW has taken targeted measures to increase the proportion of female deployment forces and actively support women in leadership positions.

For inquiries, please contact Julian Posse at the Federal Agency Technical Relief - State Association Office North Rhine-Westphalia: [email protected], telephone: +49 2103-7910-121, fax: +49 2103-7910-180.

The document titled "Press Information for the State Speaking Election 2025 - THW NW.pdf" was released, providing more details about the election and the new state speaking trio.

Engels' election sends a clear signal: Women shape the THW at all levels. The THW congratulates the new state spokesperson and wishes the entire speaking team success in representing the volunteers in the North Rhine-Westphalia state association.