As recently as the 1960s, women were not allowed to open their own bank accounts without their husband's permission. The law also stipulated that women could only work if it was deemed "compatible with their marital and family duties." Even today, the conditions are far from perfect.
Yet, progress is being made, as evidenced by the numerous events celebrating International Women's Day, which is now a public holiday. Take this opportunity to learn more about the topic—listen to works by female composers, visit exhibitions showcasing women artists, and discover inspiring stories of strong women fighting for equality and a better world.
Our 11 tips for Women's Day - for men too, of course.
Tip 1: Celebrate Women's Day on the Teufelsberg
On 8 March, the Teufelsberg opens the Women's Day. On 8 March, Teufelsberg opens the street art season with a special event. The renowned artist HERA will be creating a live mural in collaboration with the "Violence against women" helpline. In addition to live painting, you can expect inspiring panel discussions, an all-female DJ line-up and creative workshops. You can grab a spray can yourself or design colourful pieces of jewellery inspired by former graffiti images from Berlin's Mauerpark.
Tip: In our Berlin Unboxed podcast episode on Teufelsberg, you can find out more about the espionage history and street art of this legendary lost place.
When: 8. March, all day
Where: Teufelsseechaussee 10, Westend
Tip 2: Guided tour for International Women's Day at the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei is offering a special guided tour on 8 March. March is offering a special guided tour. The focus is on the life stories of women in the GDR. After all, in 1989 the GDR led the world with a female labour force participation rate of 90%. But was the high employment rate really a sign of equality? What role did women play in the SED state? Immerse yourself in exciting biographies and discuss the social position of women in the GDR. An educational journey into the past that will make you think.
When: 8 March, 3 pm
Where: Knaackstraße 97, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 3: 24 female photographers show their work
On International Women's Day, the collective Herspective Photographers invites you to the finissage of the exhibition "Passing Distance". 24 female photographers explore the concept of the space in between and ask: What distance is necessary to safely pass each other? In the exciting setting of the Cank in Karl-Marx-Straße, a former shopping centre that now serves as an event venue, you can embark on a visual journey that focuses on concentration, communication and trust.
When: 2 to 8 March,2 - 8 p.m.
Finissage on 8 March
Where: Copenhagen. March
Where: Cank, Karl-Marx-Straße 95, Neukölln
Tip 4: Get carried away by the Gorillas at the Women's Day show
With the premiere of an extra Women's Day show, "The Gorillas" are celebrating International Women's Day. Look forward to a concentrated load of female power and let yourself be carried away by spontaneous scenes, songs and stories that are created in interaction with you on the stage of the Rabiortheater. Whether black abysses of the soul or pink unicorn dreams - anything is possible here
When: 8. March, 8 pm
Where: Cuvrystraße 20 A, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Celebrate "Jenseits von Nelken und Pralinen" at the Gretchen Club
"Jenseits von Nelken und Pralinen" will be celebrating International Women's Day at the festival of the same name at the Gretchen Club. National and international artists such as Wild Wild Women from Mumbai, Prichia from Paris and Missex from Barcelona or Gigolo Tears from Berlin will be at the turntables for this musical declaration of war in a class of its own. Look forward to a night full of rap, hip-hop and beatbox that will ring in the feminist day of struggle in style.
When: 7. March, 8pm
Where: Obentrautstraße 19-21, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: Hidden Stars: How women discovered the stars
Have you ever wondered who catalogued the first stars, discovered black holes or developed the theory of dark matter? Many of these groundbreaking discoveries were made by female scientists, whose names have long been overshadowed by their male colleagues. But now they are getting their well-deserved place in the spotlight! An impressive journey through the history of astronomy and the pioneering women who reached for the stars awaits you at the Zeiss-Großplanetarium on International Women's Day. March, 19:45
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 80, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 7: Women's Day concert - female composers & women's voices
On Women's Day, the Berlin Women's Vocal Ensemble presents a very special concert. You will hear music for female voices by female composers from different eras. Representing the Romantic period is Fanny Hensel, granddaughter of the Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and sister of Felix Mendelssohn. Leonora d'Este, daughter of Pope Alexander VI and wife of the Duke of Ferrara, was part of one of the most famous families of the Renaissance. But contemporary works, for example by the composer and pianist Lera Auerbach, are also included.
When: 8 March, 8 pm
Where: St. Matthäus-Kirche, Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten
Tip 8: Strong voices - listen to Leona Berlin & Ay Wing live at Privatclub
On International Women's Day, an energetic double concert by Leona Berlin and Ay Wing awaits you at Berlin's Privatclub. Leona Berlin is known for her innovative mix of alternative soul, hip-hop and R&B. She has been part of the scene since 2018 and has even been supported by Snoop Dog. Ay Wing is a Berlin-based singer, songwriter and producer who is also internationally successful with her mix of neo-soul, R&B and pop. Take a listen to her latest EP "Poison Ivy":
When: 8. March, 8 pm
Where: Privatclub, Skalitzer Straße 85, 10997 Berlin (Kreuzberg)
Tip 9: Strong women and courageous pioneers: Frauenmärz in Berlin
The Frauenmärz - a series of events in Tempelhof-Schöneberg - offers a platform for women who have achieved and created a lot, but are still unknown or have not been sufficiently recognised. Women from politics, science, art and business, but also strong women from everyday life today.
Throughout March, you have the opportunity to experience this programme of participation and rediscovery.
When: 28 February to 30 March
Where: various venues in Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Tip 10: German Chamber Orchestra Berlin presents "Sounds of Women"
The German Chamber Orchestra Berlin also invites you to a special concert to mark International Women's Day. Under the title "Sounds of Women", the programme features works by female composers who have often been overshadowed by their male colleagues in music history. Among others, you will hear works by the British composer and suffragette Ethel Smyth, the Italian composer and Mozart contemporary Maddalena Sirmen and the Polish composer Ewelina Nowicka.
When: 8. March, 8 pm (concert introduction at 7:15 pm)
Where: Berlin Cathedral, Am Lustgarten, Mitte
Tip 11: 11 women who have moved Berlin
Many women have moved and shaped Berlin, through all times and in all professions. They have campaigned for equal rights and provided thought-provoking impetus. Like the women of the 1920s, who seized the opportunity for emancipation or women with an impressive story like that of Marlene Dietrich. Choosing just one is not easy. Nevertheless, we have taken a look at eleven very special women who we would like to introduce to you here.
