The Facebook initiative by the Equality Office
In the heart of Germany, the city of Düsseldorf is taking a step forward in recognising the significant contributions of its female residents throughout history. The city map "Women's paths in Düsseldorf - with a historical view" presents a fascinating journey through time, highlighting female personalities who have played pivotal roles in shaping the city's history.
However, it's a known fact that women are underrepresented in city plans, not just in Düsseldorf. Last year, the Memorial and Remembrance Site Düsseldorf, in cooperation with the Equal Opportunities Office and the Düsseldorf City Archives, organised an exhibition titled "courageous - feminine - unforgotten". This exhibition shed light on the life stories of 16 significant women from Düsseldorf who have not yet been honoured in the city's streets.
The exhibition was a striking reminder of the many women who have made a mark in Düsseldorf but have yet to receive the recognition they deserve. Some of the personalities showcased in the exhibition, such as renowned artists Magdalena Jetelová and Katharina Fritsch, and designer Elli Hirsch, were not found in the city plan.
In a commendable move, last year, two streets in Derendorf were named after Rose Auslander and Elfriede Bial. Naming a street or square after a personality is the most important way for cities to honour the achievements of individuals. This practice is not new for equal opportunities work in Düsseldorf, and the topic of naming streets after women is gaining traction.
Despite the lack of a direct, publicly available list specifying which notable women from Düsseldorf have not received street honours yet, historical female figures like Catharina Treu and overlooked artists/designers such as Elli Hirsch are potential candidates for such recognition.
The Equal Opportunities Office of the state capital of Düsseldorf is launching a Facebook action during the summer holidays to raise awareness about this very topic. Every Saturday until the end of the holidays, a significant woman from Düsseldorf who has not yet been honoured in the city's streets will be presented. This action aims to keep the conversation going and to encourage the city to honour more of its unsung heroines.
The journey towards acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women in Düsseldorf's history is ongoing. The city map and the Facebook action are just the beginning, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative cityscape. As the city continues to uncover its hidden heroines, it's clear that Düsseldorf is taking a significant step forward in honouring its female pioneers.
- The cityscape of Düsseldorf could benefit from an increased focus on health-and-wellness by incorporating more facilities dedicated to women's health, such as clinics or wellness centers.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry in Düsseldorf is missing an opportunity to celebrate local talent by showcasing and supporting more female designers, like Elli Hirsch, whose work has yet to receive the recognition it deserves.
- In alignment with the city's commitment to equal opportunities, the science sector in Düsseldorf could foster a more balanced environment by encouraging and recognizing the contributions of women scientists in research and education, contributing to a more holistic lifestyle approach in the city.
