"International Women's Day should not just be a day of reflection or celebration, but a day that calls for action and change," says Gudrun Kraft, the Equal Opportunities Officer for our website. She adds: "Measures to protect against violence—especially toward girls and women—must urgently become a societal priority. The message behind the Orange Days in November also needs to be far more prominently communicated to the public."

Solingen's bold International Women's Day events push for equality and action

Nevertheless, this year's celebrations, gatherings, and networking opportunities will not be neglected. Below is a preview of some highlights from this year's program around March 8.

We kick off early on March 5 with a special women's shopping evening at ProDonna®, offering not only a diverse shopping experience but also space for discussions on mindfulness, self-care, and women's empowerment.

The second-hand store at Solinger Straße 63 will open at 6 PM for the event.

On March 6, the Flügelsaal (Hauptstraße 133) invites you on a cinematic journey through gender roles and the power of imagery. This evening—a collaboration between the Equal Opportunities Office and the adult education center (VHS)—encourages rediscovering women in film, both on and off screen. As always, there will be an opportunity for networking during the break, with cheese, wine, or water served.

This year, film enthusiasts have four special screenings to look forward to. On Sunday, March 8 (International Women's Day), two films will be shown: at 2:30 PM, "The Progressive Nostalgics", a witty, time-traveling tale exploring patriarchy and emancipation. This will be followed by the documentary "Female Pleasure," which delves into sexual self-determination. Alongside the screenings, guests can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or mineral water while exchanging ideas and information.

As part of the LebensLust program cinema (March 15), audiences can experience the critically acclaimed film "Oh, That Gap—That Dreadful Gap." Then, at the Women's Film Forum (March 18), the #MeToo tragicomedy "Sorry Baby" will be screened.

Events continue into April. On April 17, author Rebecca Endler will give a reading of her book "Witches, Bitches, IT Girls," using humor, sharp wit, and combative spirit to explore how we all uphold the patriarchy day by day—and how we can still change it. During the break, guests can mingle over cheese, wine, and snacks.

The preview of International Women's Day events concludes on April 25 with a chanson evening at Schaustall (Winkelsweg 38). Tina Teubner presents a musical, poetic declaration of love: "Without You, It Was Always So Beautiful." She will be accompanied on piano by her long-time collaborator, Bernd Süverkrup.

Further lectures and events are summarized in the Equal Opportunities Office's program brochure.

The 2026 International Women's Day program booklet, featuring all events, is available for pickup in the town hall foyer and other public buildings. It can also be accessed online via our website. The flipbook link is: *www.ourwebsite/flipbooks/womensday*.