9 Women Who Changed German Society
Women Power

Whether in politics, science, art, or resistance – these women have profoundly changed German society with their courage, determination, and talent. Their stories show how individuals can shape the course of history.

Sophie Scholl

Although she lived only 21 years, Sophie Scholl's impact is still felt today. As a student and member of the resistance group “White Rose,” she bravely fought against the Nazi regime and called for civil courage in leaflets. In February 1943, she was arrested in Munich and executed just four days later. Her unwavering courage continues to inspire people of all ages.

Margot Friedländer

Born in Berlin, Margot Friedländer was the only member of her family to survive the Holocaust. Her moving story made her a warning voice against forgetting. She lived in the USA from 1946 to 2010, after which she moved back to her hometown. Despite her advanced age, she continued to speak out against racism and anti-Semitism in schools, the Bundestag and other places until shortly before her death.

Elisabeth Selbert

As one of the four “Mothers of the Basic Law,” politician and jurist Elisabeth Selbert fought with great determination for the legally guaranteed equality of the sexes. Thanks to her tireless efforts in the Parliamentary Council of the young Federal Republic, Article 3 of the Basic Law, which came into force in 1949, contains the crucial words “Men and women are equal.”

Beate Uhse

Flensburg, 1962: At a time when sexuality was hardly discussed, entrepreneur Beate Uhse opened the world's first sex shop. The “Specialty Store for Women's Hygiene” laid the foundation for the Uhse erotic empire that still exists today. Through the self-made woman's efforts for freer sexuality, the original taboo topic gradually became socially acceptable.

Rita Süßmuth

Giving women a voice in politics was and remains a challenge. Remarkable are the achievements of Rita Süßmuth, who fought for the recognition of women's rights as Federal Minister for Youth, Family, Women, and Health from 1985-1988. She is still honored today for her committed educational work and her prevention campaigns on the topic of AIDS.

Christiane Nüsslein-Vollhard

As the first German woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine, biochemist Christiane Nüsslein-Vollhard made scientific history. In 1995, she was awarded for her groundbreaking research on the genetic development of organisms. To this day, she researches the formation of shapes and forms in the development of animals and is committed to promoting women in science.

Pina Bausch

Pina Bausch is considered one of the most important choreographers of her time. In the 1970s, she created modern dance theater, establishing a radically new form of expression that gained worldwide recognition and made her a cult figure. The unique style of the ballet director of the Tanztheater Wuppertal continues to influence generations of choreographers.

Alice Schwarzer

The publicist and journalist Alice Schwarzer is one of Germany's best-known feminists. In the 1970s, she often ensured that feminist issues were publicly discussed. Particularly provocative was the 1971 article in Stern magazine about confessions to abortions. Later, Schwarzer founded the magazine Emma, in which she initiated debates on equality.

Jil Sander

Minimalistic, timeless, elegant – these terms describe the fashion creations of designer Jil Sander. At the age of 24, she opened her own boutique and soon headed a global fashion empire. Her minimalist style not only revolutionized the fashion world but also shaped a new, self-confident role model for women.