Germany's Women's Strike Demands Equity and Recognition for Unpaid Care Work
Over 120 German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, will join the intersectional Women's Strike on 9 March 2026. The nationwide action, titled #WithoutUsEverythingStops*, seeks to expose ongoing gender inequalities and push for systemic reform. Göttingen is among the locations hosting local events, with organisers urging broad participation.
In Göttingen, the strike is led by the Töchter-Kollektiv and FrauenForum, with support from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). A central gathering will take place at the Gänseliesel* statue from 12:30 p.m., featuring brief speeches, a 'moving lunch break,' and open discussions. Organisers emphasise that care work—often unpaid and performed mostly by women—remains undervalued and invisible.
Participants face no legal strike protections, as involvement depends on individual employment contracts. Despite this, men are actively encouraged to join in solidarity and contribute to gender justice efforts. Christine Müller and Daniela Jeksties, Göttingen's Gender Equality Officers, have publicly backed the strike, stressing the need for societal dialogue.
The event aims to bring gender equality into everyday conversations. By fostering exchanges between diverse groups, organisers hope to challenge structural barriers and amplify marginalised voices.
The strike will unfold across roughly 100 cities, with Göttingen's programme blending protest and community engagement. Local actions, like the Gänseliesel rally, will spotlight care work disparities and demand policy shifts. Organisers have called on all residents—regardless of gender—to participate and push for lasting change.
