The International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, will bring together FLINTA* individuals from around the world, demonstrating for equal rights and the right to self-determination. Berlin has pioneered this movement by declaring International Women's Day as a public holiday, establishing itself as the first federal state to do so back in 2019.
Franziska Brychcy, the state chairwoman of Die Linke Berlin, remarked, "We fought to establish Women's Day as a holiday, and this day remains significant and empowering for our city! We firmly reject outrageous proposals to abolish this important holiday. March 8 should remain the day for girls, women, and FLINTA!" She emphasized the continuing fight against gender inequity, stating, "Women still bear the majority of unpaid care work, and the appalling wage gap between genders must be closed immediately! Work schedules should accommodate life, not the other way around. Everyone deserves enough income and time for quality living. Integral to self-determination is also control over one's body. We as Leftists are determined to continue our fight for the abolition of §218!"
This fight involves the consistent demand for the legalization of abortions, which Brychcy labeled as scandalous. The Left will host numerous events surrounding Women's Day, including feminist pub quizzes, gatherings focused on poster making for the marches, and nights dedicated to feminist music. These events are aimed at raising awareness and vibrant participation within the community.
The highlight will be the demonstration titled "Feminist, Solidary, Union-Driven," taking place on March 8 at noon at Oranienplatz, near the memorial for victims of racism and police violence. Both Brychcy and Maximilian Schirmer, another leader of Die Linke, will partake actively.
On the same day, the DGB-Frauen will take the opportunity to appeal to the upcoming federal government to eliminate structures discriminatory to women, advocating for swift action. Their demands include achieving wage equality, improving pay and working conditions, and establishing reliable childcare solutions. Their motto resonates with the gathered crowds: “Do what is necessary: equality now!”
Supporters will urge the government to implement the EU Pay Transparency Directive, promote the equitable distribution of parental leave, and develop initiatives to assist caregivers. One of the key messages from the DGB calls for the creation of legal frameworks to protect individuals from violence at work, asserting the necessity for all employers to create harassment-free workplaces.
Susanne Wingertszahn, the DGB District Chairwoman for Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, made it clear: “The new government must act now. Eliminate structures disadvantaging women. Invest in equality. Ensure all political measures are evaluated for their effectiveness against discrimination.” This cry for action follows the alarming drop of the proportion of women serving in parliament which has now fallen to around one third.
This annual awareness day is not solely focused on Germany; it resonates through cities such as Munich, where the Equal Pay Day on March 7 aligns with numerous events celebrating women's rights. Activities include flash mobs, free rides on the town hall tower for women, and philosophical discussions on masculinity and gender stereotypes. Profound reflections on the gender pay gap remain pertinent, as even with slight improvements, women earn approximately 4.10 euros less per hour than their male counterparts.
The We Won’t Shut Up! Festival, running from March 3 to 20, enriches the week by showcasing issues surrounding equality, feminism, and justice. The many activities culminate on March 8 with vibrant concerts and performances across varied venues like Glockenbachwerkstatt and Bellevue di Monaco.
Throughout Germany, the message is clear: International Women's Day serves as both celebration and rallying point for the continuing fight for women's rights. This year, the festivities extend to Ravensburg and Wangen, where discussions and events highlight the urgency of wage equality and the representation of women. This includes panel discussions featuring notable figures such as Julia Baumann and Esther Straub.
The celebrations not only honor women's achievements but also draw attention to the persistent inequality they face. Now is the time for proactive measures to build on the achievements of the past decades, ensuring women's voices do not just echo through history but resonate loudly today. The battle for gender equality, employment rights, and protection from violence remains firmly on the agenda, reminding authorities and society at large: equality is not negotiable!