In a provocative call for change, Jette Nietzard, the chairwoman of the Grüne Jugend, has laid out her vision for a new era of feminism. In a guest article published on March 21, 2025, for Watson, Nietzard argued for a radical rethinking of women's rights and societal structures, challenging traditional concepts in the process.
Nietzard's primary assertion is that men must be stripped of their privileges unless they can demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society and relationships. "Why should women stay in heterosexual relationships with men who orgasm 30 percent less?" she queried, emphasizing her notion that sexual satisfaction is a crucial metric for assessing relationship value.
The nod to Wilhelm Reich's ideas about the orgasm as a central pillar of women's liberation is not lost on critics and supporters alike. Nietzard advocates for women to reclaim derogatory terms like "bitch" and "fotze" (a German slang term) to strip them of their power to demean. This approach speaks to a broader desire for empowerment and liberation through self-identification.
However, these views are not without controversy. In her article, Nietzard endorses women who financially exploit men, stating that these actions can be seen as a tactical strike against patriarchy. "Essentially, they are fighting the patriarchy with its own weapons," she explained. She stated this perspective symbolizes a redistribution of resources denied to women throughout history.
Criticism from other political arenas has also befallen Nietzard. She does not shy away from addressing the CDU's Friedrich Merz, accusing him of hypocrisy due to his previous voting record against the criminalization of marital rape. Nietzard questions how someone who has voted against such fundamental rights can legitimately govern the country. In her words, "Sorry, we cannot accept that!" This statement confronts the broader issue of women's rights under political leadership and legislative power.
Additionally, she raises concerns about the state of women's rights under the tenure of former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), suggesting that there was little progress in terms of women's rights, despite a female leader occupying the highest office. "For over 50 years, we've fought to eliminate Paragraph 218 (the abortion law), and we've learned that even a female Chancellor does very little for the struggle for women's rights," she stated, echoing frustrations felt by many activists.
On the subject of the Mütterrente, a proposed mother's pension scheme outlined in coalition talks by CDU and SPD, Nietzard argued that it reflects a narrow view of women's value; predominantly defined by their reproductive capacities. In her eyes, this legislation merely underlines women's societal roles as mothers rather than fully-fledged citizens contributing to diverse economic and social spheres.
Nietzard's bold statements about feminism have evoked sharp reactions, even sparking dissent within her party. Her comment following the New Year's Eve fireworks accidents—"Men who lose their hands from firecrackers can at least no longer hit women"—was both incendiary and polarizing. Such remarks position her as a firebrand confronting the often patriarchal structures within not only society but also politics.
To supporters, Nietzard's vision represents a new wave of feminist thought, one unfettered by the constraints of traditional interpretations. To detractors, however, her statements may come across as radical provocations that could undermine broader women's movements by reinforcing stereotypes about men.
Amid the backlash, the conversation around Nietzard's position is essential. Increasingly, the discussion surrounding feminism today finds itself at a crossroads—where more conventional views of equality are challenged by revolutionary interpretations advocating for a total shake-up of the system.
This confrontation is reflective of a growing movement among young activists who refuse to accept the status quo. Their willingness not only to confront existing norms but to actively dismantle them is indicative of a generational shift in the fabric of political discourse.
In conclusion, Jette Nietzard’s radical stance reflects an evolving landscape of societal norms and expectations of women in both public and private spheres. As her ideas gain traction, they spark vital discussions about the future of feminism and how new generations envision it. By advocating for a reassessment of gender roles and privileges, Nietzard brings to the forefront the pressing need for redefining relationships within the context of equality. How this new vision of feminism will shape political conversations ahead remains to be seen.