International Women’s Day is marked across the world on March 8th. We glance back at the history of Frauentag in Germany and look at what you can expect in Berlin.
From demonstrations to cultural events, feminism is in the spotlight across Germany as a host of events take place to mark International Women’s Day (Frauentag) on March 8th.
It is also a public holiday (Feiertag) in Berlin – and the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – but as it falls on a Sunday this year, most people will be off work anyway.
Nevertheless, it still serves as a moment to honour women as well as campaign for equality.
READ ALSO: How to maximise your public holidays like a German this spring
What are the roots of Frauentag in Germany?
Women’s Day was first celebrated on March 19th, 1911 in Germany – and neighbouring countries – at the suggestion of German Social Democrat Clara Zetkin, a key figure in the country’s women’s rights movement.
More than a million women took to the streets on the first International Women’s Day demanding voting rights. In 1975, the United Nations made March 8th the ‘United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace’.
The day has special significance due to German history. The former East Germany (GDR) was often dubbed a Frauenland (women’s country). Equality between men and women was a goal in the GDR long before it became a talking point in neighbouring West Germany.
Clara Zetkin, photographed during the International Congress for Statutory Occupational Safety in 1897 in Zurich, Switzerland. Photo: picture alliance/dpa
As early as 1949, women were encouraged to participate in the workforce, something that was urgently needed for the economy. Women’s Day was not a holiday but involved speeches by politicians and was used by the state to encourage women into work.
It also became customary to give women in the GDR poems and bouquets of flowers, particularly red carnations. This tradition continues across Germany today with people giving flowers to the women in their life and even on the street.
Berlin: demonstrations, flowers and culture
Frauen*kampftag, March 8th
With gender inequality still rife in Germany (the gender pay gap stands at around 16 percent), Women’s Day provides an opportunity to get out on the streets and protest.
The annual Frauen*kampftag (which roughly translates to women’s day of action) is a large feminist demonstration in Berlin advocating for gender equality, anti-patriarchy and social justice. It begins at Oranienplatz in Berlin around 11.30am and ends with a rally in front of the Rotes Rathaus in Mitte.
Purple ride, March 8th
Another way to protest on March 8th is with Purple Ride, which organises a Queer Feminist FLINTA* Bicycle Demonstration every year. It’s for individuals who are not cisgender men.
The organisers are demanding equality regardless of gender and gender identity. The demonstration starts at Mariannenplatz at 12 noon with cyclists heading to Leopoldplatz in Wedding. Feel free to wear purple and/or carry a colourful sign!
Rosen für Clara, March 9th
Every year, the FrauenNetz Marzahn-Hellersdorf group lays flowers at the Clara Zetkin monument on (or close to) International Women’s Day.
The event, which has been happening for 20 years, includes speeches from politicians and activists. As the park is currently being redesigned, the flowers cannot be laid directly in front of the monument so they will be placed in front of the construction fence.
This event takes place on March 9th at 4pm at the Clara Zetkin monument in Berlin-Marzahn.
Woman Art Open, various dates throughout March
Berlin is hosting the second edition of Woman Art Open this March. This city wide programme promotes the visibility of female artists in history to the present day. Look out for museums and galleries hosting special events across the city.
On March 8th, for instance, the German Historical Museum invites people to take part in tours and discussions on women’s roles in history, with free admission.
READ ALSO: What’s on in Germany: Seven unmissable events this March
Jenseits von Nelken und Pralinen Festival (Beyond Carnations and Chocolates Festival), March 7th
If you prefer something a little edgier, head to the Gretchen nightclub in Berlin for the ‘Beyond Carnations and Chocolates Festival’. The line-up includes Fraw Blanka, Gani and Huda and takes place on Saturday March 7th from 8pm.
The event organisers say: “For over 10 years, the festival has been a musical declaration of war that puts female artists in the spotlight and tells patriarchy to take a back seat.” Advance tickets cost from €25, while solidarity tickets are also available.
Final Girls Berlin Film Festival, March 4th-8th
The City Kino Wedding is hosting a number of feminist, queer and non-binary horror films for the 11th year running.
Queens of The Dead and If I Had Legs I’d Kill You are just two of the screenings. Tickets cost from €9. Go if you dare.
A protest sign reads ‘The present is female’ at a Women’s Day rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. (Photo by CHRISTIAN MANG / AFP)
Fraueniftar in participating Berlin mosques, March 8th
Some mosques in the capital are inviting women – regardless of their religion and background – to dine together to break the Ramadan fast on Women’s Day.
The Fraueniftar is an annual event organised by the Network of Muslim Women in Berlin. The joint breaking of the fast at participating community centres and mosques is set to take place at 18:03, with programmes starting around 30 to 90 minutes beforehand.
READ ALSO: How Muslims in Germany are celebrating Ramadan in 2026
Haus Natur und Umwelt (House of Nature and Environment), March 8th
For those who’d like to make the most of the pleasant weather, we have just the event.
On March 8th women are invited to enjoy nature and wildlife at the Haus Natur und Umwelt in Wuhlheide free of charge.
It opens at 10am and shuts at 4pm.
Aside from these events there are plenty of local gatherings taking place. And if you’re not in Berlin, keep an eye out for other rallies and events throughout the month of March. If you have any suggestions for events, feel free to share them in the comments.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
