"We would like to thank the women who, despite unfavorable conditions in their lives, have shown commitment to their families and others," said Traub. The motto of this year's International Women's Day was "#BreakTheBias". So it's about creating a world free of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination against women and girls that is diverse, equal and inclusive. "This is so important, especially for the women we visit," says Traub.
Katrin Weiß, a social worker at the homeless shelter in Teinacher Straße in Ludwigsburg, commented: "The women thought it was really nice that someone was thinking of them, coming to them and taking time for them." Resident Jessica Neumann, a single mother of three, encourages other women on International Women's Day: "If you don't fight, you've already lost." Although she has very little herself, Jessica welcomes refugee families from Ukraine. "My heart is big enough for these women from war zones."
At the Ludwigsburg homeless shelter in Riedle, "Heidi" from Switzerland thinks it's great that she gets visitors. Although she lost her livelihood because of 642 euros, she is grateful for everything. "There are people who are worse off than us." And roommate Sabine Dabbouri advises all women: "Don't let yourself be oppressed." Uta adds: "Be determined, but stay womanly." All three want a normal apartment of their own and hope that landlords will give them a chance. Social worker Stefanie Eberhardt emphasizes how important the conversation was for the women, not the gift.
Fatima (name changed) comes from Afghanistan and is positive about her experience in the women's shelter. "I've really grown here. There are all kinds of opportunities in Germany, you don't have to be afraid. You can feel comfortable."
Terry from Kenya emphasizes how important it is to have the courage to seek help and speak out. Her 15-month-old daughter gives her the strength to do so. She describes the personal conversation on International Women's Day as great. Anja Gramer, social worker at the women's shelter, is delighted to see the happy faces of the residents and former residents.
At the end of the day, there was nothing but admiration for these strong women.
Background
Patriarchal structures still exist in 2022, women take on a large proportion of unpaid care work and are also paid less in paid work. During the pandemic, it was mainly women who took on childcare and homeschooling in addition to their home office jobs. One in three women in Germany will be the victim of physical and/or sexualized violence at least once in their lives. Women need and want equal rights, not just on paper, they want equal opportunities, equal pay, non-violent relationships, fair working conditions, punishment for perpetrators, a life without fear.
Why is it important to take action not just on International Women's Day?
- Women's rights are human rights
The full and equal participation of women in political, civic, economic, social and cultural life at national, regional and international level are priority goals of the international community. - Gender pay gap
According to the Federal Statistical Office, women still earned 18% less than men for the same work in 2020. This makes Germany one of the worst performers in the EU. - Outdated role models are disadvantageous for women.
It is usually difficult for women to return to their old job after a longer period out of work, and women with children are much more likely than men to work part-time and earn less money overall. - International women's rights
Around the world, women in particular are victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution, are forced into marriage or are denied access to education. - Women are at risk of poverty in old age
Dependence or poverty: women are much more often at risk of poverty in old age than men - or financially dependent on their husbands - due to a longer period out of work. - Hardly any improvement in gender equality in management positions
Women on German management boards are still a rarity. More than half of all listed companies (81) still had no women at all at the top management level in October 2021. But progress is being made: in 2021, the 160 German listed companies recorded their largest annual increase in the number of women on their boards to date, according to a report by the AllBright Foundation. In 2021, there were a total of 25 more female board members than in the previous year, and 28% of newly recruited board members were women.
