50 years of women's shooting division: a festival full of emotions and honors!

50 years of women's shooting division: a festival full of emotions and honors!

Wesenstedt-Harmhausen, Deutschland - The shooting club Wesstedt-Harmhausen celebrates half a century of its women's shooting division. This significant anniversary was celebrated on June 10, 2025 with a festive event, to which more than 100 members came together. Accompanied by the Marching band "Sound of Sulingen", President Karl-Heinz Langhorst opened the celebrations and honored the protective ladies for their services to the club.

A highlight of the day was the emotional speech by Beate Sandmann, the fourth women's spokeswoman, who spoke about the beginnings of the women's division. This was originally initiated by Johann Kunst, along with 17 other women. The founders were particularly appreciated by the founders Ingrid Hornburg, Gisela Schweers, Margret Bliefernicht and Anne Barghop, who received congratulations and bouquets for their continuous use.

Visiting neighboring clubs and municipal support

In the afternoon, 170 representatives of neighboring clubs gathered to celebrate the anniversary together. Mayor Hans-Jürgen Schumacher took the opportunity to deliver the congratulations to the community. He praised the protective ladies for their commitment and their valuable contribution to club life.

This day, many rifle associations are still faced with traditional gender roles by often only allowing male members. Nevertheless, numerous women in shooting clubs fight for an active role. The Federation of the Historical German Rifle Brotherhood (BHDS) took up female members at an early stage and introduced the Federal King's Inner Day in 1956 to appreciate the position of women in the rifle brotherhood and in society.

The role of women in the rifle system

women have taken on significant tasks in the rifle system that go far beyond traditional roles. They are essential as weapon masters, witness officers, cashiers and secretary. The active integration of women in various activities is common practice in many regions, including in the Benelux countries. Women also support the march and brass bands and provide the musicians with drinks.

Awained from you a clean appearance, a sense of duty as well as camaraderie and punctuality. Her tasks also include the care of costumes, screen cocks or crosses and are subject to the guidance of the captain. Women in shooting began to not only be perceived as an eye -catcher, but actively contribute to the design of club life, which underlines the size and variety of community.

For the shooting club Wesstedt-Harmhausen, the 50th anniversary of the women's shooting division marks an important moment that celebrates the achievements and commitment of women in this area and emphasizes their historical role. With a due ceremony, the achievement is recognized as an important chapter in the rifle system, while at the same time the course is set for the future.