The recent German elections have revealed significant shifts in our political landscape, with results that many find challenging to process. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, we believe this moment calls for renewed engagement and purposeful action in our daily lives. Co-liberation recognizes that true freedom requires collective action—none of us can be fully empowered while others remain marginalized by technological systems. Everyone’s liberation is interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
The current political reality
With a voter turnout of 83%, Germans have demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation.The increased support for far-right parties indicates a growing dissatisfaction with traditional political solutions to our complex issues, which we believe stems from a widespread feeling of being unheard and has resulted in voting patterns that challenge the current political system.
The question of “who makes the rules?” has never felt more pressing. As someone who has worked within the parliamentary system for three years, our CEO and Founder, Alexandra Wudel, witnessed how political power operates up close. While the formation of the government is now out of our hands, we must ask ourselves: How can citizens experience agency beyond election day in the AI Age?
Creating a collective voice
Democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box. The 83% turnout indicates a widespread desire for change and participation, but elections represent just one avenue for civic engagement. The emergence of stronger right-wing representation suggests that established parties haven’t provided adequate answers for these highly complex times. It stands out what we are against. But what are we actually standing for?
At FemAI, we have positioned our roundtable discussions at the center of our response to this political moment. These spaces serve as vital bridges between civil society and the often inaccessible tech world that increasingly shapes our democratic processes. Our research proves that technological advancement—particularly artificial intelligence—can accelerate positive societal impact when guided by human-centric values.
Values are our compass
In uncertain political times, our shared values become even more important as guideposts. At FemAI, we embrace:
- Transparency: Promoting visible and accessible decision-making processes
- Progress: Embracing change that serves humanity’s broader needs
- Equity: Ensuring technologies address rather than increase social disparities
- Compassion: Centering human well-being in technological development
- Happiness: Creating systems that foster fulfillment rather than extraction
We envision a society where diverse voices are heard and respected, where disagreement strengthens rather than divides us, and where technology serves as a lever for collective empowerment. What if the next level of democracy is one driven by AI?
As humans, we’re natural problem-solvers. Perhaps the solution for democracy lies in thoughtfully applying AI to strengthen rather than undermine our collective decision-making. Our current political systems often exploit human cognitive weaknesses during campaigns and governance. AI could potentially balance these vulnerabilities, enabling more equitable, efficient, and evidence-based decisions.
Taking meaningful action despite uncertainty
Rather than surrendering to political disappointment, we are choosing to grow through these challenges. The political landscape may feel uncertain, but this creates space for citizen-led, democratic, de-centralized initiatives to flourish. AI’s accelerating development offers new opportunities for participation—if we actively shape its direction.
At FemAI, we recognize that technologies like AI aren’t neutral; in order to serve as powerful tools for collective empowerment, diverse participation in technological governance matters now more than ever.
The path forward: Co-liberation
Can our upcoming government truly serve all people? This remains an open question. Rather than waiting to find out, we invite you to join us in building alternative pathways for civic influence:
- Discover how AI tools can leverage your efforts for change in joint research projects and workshops
- Stay up to date with the AI pace by joining our newsletter
- Engage in our roundtables and local governance initiatives where direct impact is visible
- Connect with others working toward positive social transformation on events
- Contribute your perspective to AI development processes via our social media
The election results may challenge us, but they also clarify the urgent need for broader civic participation. At FemAI, we’re creating spaces where diverse voices can shape our technological future regardless of political winds. We all sit in the same boat! Together, we can transform political disappointment into constructive action.
As a feminist tech start-up, we can no longer ignore the need for feminist theory to evolve in its next wave, acknowledging the unique specifics of the AI Revolution. Guided by the concept of antifragility, a future-ready feminism uses the advantages technologies offer, such as filter bubbles, to increase the impact of systems benefiting humanity.
