Courageous women of the GDR: exhibition Together we are unbearable” in Dresden

Courageous women of the GDR: exhibition Together we are unbearable” in Dresden

There will soon be a reason to celebrate in the cultural metropolis of Dresden! The city libraries and the Technical University of Dresden invite you to a special exhibition that deals with the independent women's movement of the late GDR. Under the title “Together we are unbearable”, this exciting show is organized by the Agency for Education – History, Politics and Media e.V. and runs from July 21st to August 14th in the central library in the Kulturpalast, Schloßstraße 2. A highlight will be the opening on July 24th at 6 p.m., which will feature a live podcast from TUD under the motto “You Ask We Explain” as well as the TUD Lectures series of events Plus, moderated by Lisa-Marie Eberharter, is celebrated.

The exhibition takes a look at the courageous women who pioneered the Peaceful Revolution. These women not only shaped social debates about equality, freedom and moral courage, but were also active in a variety of ways. They founded independent networks, wrote critical leaflets and organized demonstrations - always under the eyes of the Stasi. Annekatrin Klepsch, councilor for culture, science and tourism in Dresden, emphasizes the importance of giving these committed women appropriate recognition.

The roots of the women's movement in the GDR

To better understand the significance of this movement, it is worth taking a look at history. The women's movement in the GDR began immediately after the Second World War, when the first women's committees were founded in Berlin in June 1945. These committees emerged from increased female self-confidence and the need to redefine women's social roles. The Democratic Women's Association of Germany (DFD), founded in 1947, quickly became a central player, with over 200,000 members in its founding year. Among the founding members were important personalities such as Elli Schmidt and Emmy Damerius-Koenen.

The DFD was a non-partisan, democratic organization that played a key role in ensuring that demands for equality were incorporated into legislation. For example, Article 7 of the 1949 GDR constitution declares that “men and women have equal rights.” But despite these ambitions, women's political emancipation often stagnated. Time and again, demands made by the fighters were not met, and the DFD increasingly developed into a state organization that restricted the independence of its members. Between 1948 and 1953 there were disappointments and withdrawals from key players who had fought for a more beautiful picture of gender relations in the DFD.

A look into the future

The closing event of the exhibition will take place on August 14th and will offer space for conversations with contemporary witnesses and actors in this unprecedented movement. In addition, the TU Dresden has put together an extensive accompanying program with films, conversations and student contributions that will deepen the themes of the exhibition.

Anyone interested should definitely save this date and use the opportunity to find out more about the strong women who continue to shape our society today. The exhibition “Together we are unbearable” promises not only educational insights, but also an inspiring examination of feminist history and the commitment to equal rights. Art and education go hand in hand here and invite you to actively engage with your own history.

For more information please visit the websites of Weekly Courier, dresden.de and bpb.de.