FEMINISTA 2025
A New Platform for Feminist Vision and Action in Hamburg
by Carol Harbers, deputy LFR representative
This November marked the launch of FEMINISTA, a new annual event created by the Landesfrauenrat Hamburg e. V. to inspire, connect, and empower women * across the city. Replacing the long-standing Frauenherbstmahlzeit, the series aims to offer a forward-looking space where feminist ideas can grow and where Hamburg’ s diverse voices come together to imagine more just futures.
Three AWCH members— Anna Sizorina, Mary Frances Ludolph, and myself— attended this inaugural gathering. We were deeply impressed by the clarity and urgency of the speakers. From the beginning, the event stressed that gender equality cannot be understood in isolation; it must take account of how discrimination based on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, migration background, and social class interacts in people’ s daily lives. The theme,“ Thirty Years After the Beijing World Conference on Women: Shaping Intersectional Feminism,” framed an afternoon of reflection and forward-thinking.
Hamburg’ s Senator for Equality Maryam Blumenthal opened by acknowledging the progress of the past three decades while warning of a troubling slide backward. She emphasized that feminism today must address complex and overlapping inequalities— and highlighted the LFR as an essential partner to the Hamburg Senate in advancing that work.
Keynote speaker Franziska Rauchut of the Bundesstiftung Gleichstellung traced the legacy of the 1995 Beijing World Conference, noting that the Beijing Platform for Action remains groundbreaking precisely because it recognizes the interconnected structures that shape women’ s lives. While meaningful gains have been made, she explained, many of them are increasingly fragile. Persisting issues— including the feminization of poverty, the lack of women in leadership roles, the burdens on single parents, crises in care work, and rising political disengagement— show how urgently feminist concerns must return to the center of public debate. Progress, she underscored, depends on broad alliances and shared commitment:“ When all women move forward, everyone benefits.”
A panel featuring Dr. Abadjayé Gwladys Awo( Lessan e. V.), Susanne Langhagel( SoVD Hamburg), and Zara Canbay( Migrantinnen Bund Hamburg) examined why inclusive equality policies still face obstacles in Hamburg and pointed to opportunities for building stronger networks across communities and organizations.
For our AWCH attendees, FEMINISTA was both informative and energizing. It reminded us of the importance of staying engaged, motivating others, and ensuring that feminist work reflects the varied realities of all women. We look forward to seeing how this new annual event develops— and to joining again next year.
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