How women’s rights evolved in Germany

Over 100 years ago, in November 1918, women in Germany gained the right to vote. It was one of the most important achievements of the women’s movement at the time and the starting point of a long road to emancipation, but marked by many setbacks.

Shortly thereafter, under the Nazi regime in Germany, women lost almost all of their rights and were reduced to the role of mothers.

After World War II, women in Germany were needed as workers, but for decades they were still required by law to prioritize running the marital home over paid work.

It was only in 1977 that legislation changed, giving more rights to married women in West Germany. Until then, they could not work outside the home without their husband’s permission.

The German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany adopted in 1949, officially granted equal rights to women and men, but it has been a long struggle for women to gain real recognition, and the fight for gender equality is pursued until today.

This episode of DW Stories, titled “The Long Road to Women’s Liberation in Germany,” explores the bumpy road to more equality in Germany. On International Women’s Day, watch to find out more!