Dear members of the Berlin University of the Arts,

On March 8th, we celebrate International Women's Day!

This day is an important moment to acknowledge the achievements and successes in the fight for equality and against discrimination against women and FLINTA*. On March 8th, we can also be angry, because equality, diversity, and inclusion are increasingly threatened and called into question. Equality laws give the impression that women and FLINTA* now have equal rights. However, in practice, laws alone are insufficient, as they cannot eliminate unconscious misogyny on their own and continue to lead to stereotypical expectations and attributions that result in unequal treatment. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), one in three women in Germany will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In 2024, a woman was a victim of fatal violence perpetrated by her partner or former partner every three days. The gender pay gap in Germany remains at 16%; Equal Pay Day in 2026 falls on February 26th, having moved forward by one day compared to 2025. Contributing factors include the stagnation of women in leadership positions and the prevalence of part-time work.

Two podcast recommendations on this topic:

der Podcast zu equal pay (German)
Cash Club – Frauen und Fiktion (German)

In the cultural sector (particularly music and performing arts), the gender pay gap is even higher, at 25%, according to the ver.di union – a worrying increase compared to previous years.

On March 8th, we should also remember the difficult situation of women in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. In many regions of the world, the rights of women and girls are severely restricted. Education, employment, and participation in public life are often unattainable for them. Women who stand up against this oppression risk arrest and violence. Especially in a time when many women worldwide are fighting for their rights, International Women's Day remains an important symbol of solidarity and commitment.

March 8th reminds us not only of the challenges women face, but also of the diversity of gender identities. International Women's Day should also be a day of recognition for trans* and non-binary people who work daily against discrimination and for their rights. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the important contributions of Black women and Women of Color, for whom feminism means challenging the status quo. Gender diversity is essential. Feminism is intersectional.

As the Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer, I invite you to take advantage of the counseling services and contact persons at the UdK Berlin, to exchange ideas with us. We would be delighted if you participated in our events and activities. On March 9th, we are offering an Equal Care workshop at the Central University Administration (ZUV). In early summer, we will hold #wessenfreiheit, publish four fact sheets on topics related to women's health, and at the end of the year, we welcome you to the Women's General Assembly.

Please subscribe to our quarterly Newsletter  to learn more about our events and activities.

9 March 2026, International Women’s Day & Equal Care: Care work and the invisible asumption of responsibility

Programme: Keynote speech by Stefanie Kämper*: An overview of the topic, followed by a workshop in a World Café format
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kämper, health scientist and professor of complex care at the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences

Many events are taking place in Berlin on March 8th and 9th, including the demonstration – “Enough!” More info here.

Special tours of the State Museums

In light of current events, the State Museums are offering a selection of guided tours that focus on female perspectives.

When: 8 March 2026
Exact time: varies depending on the event
Where: Various locations
More info here

Famous female musicians and composers from around the world

Various ensembles from the Leo Kestenberg Music School play Fairouz, Miriam Makeba, geisha songs and classical composers from around the world.

When: 15 March 2026 | 5 PM
Location: Schöneberg Town Hall, Willy Brandt Hall
More info here

Reading: Marion Kraft –  „Weltenwechsel“

Literary scholar, author and translator Marion Kraft presents her new novel “Weltenwechsel” and discusses it with Georgina Fakunmoju. 

When: 27 March 2026 | 7 PM
Location: Wilhelm Liebknecht Central Library
More info here

Exhibition “Paths of Resistance” by Women in Exile e.V.

The exhibition “Paths of Resistance” by Women in Exile e.V. in cooperation with the FHXB Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum highlights the archival practices and political engagement of Women in Exile and their supporters in Berlin, Brandenburg and beyond.

Dates: 21.02.–17.05.2026
Location: FHXB Museum – Adalbertstr. 95A, 10999 Berlin
More info here