Episode 35: Together we are unbearable - The independent women's movement in the GDR

Our podcast series YOU ASK we explain started in 2023 and is published monthly. In our 35th episode, we focus on the women's movement in the GDR. In the 1980s, independent women's groups were founded in the GDR that were not satisfied with state slogans. They campaigned for peace, democracy and human rights and questioned the official narrative of women's equality. They explicitly and strongly opposed the arms race during the Cold War and denounced discrimination against lesbians. Despite surveillance, repression and social resistance, they stuck to their commitment.

At the end of the GDR, these groups developed into a nationwide movement. In 1989/90, they were part of the peaceful revolution, sat at the round tables and demanded a just society. They campaigned for women's shelters, equal career opportunities, better social security and a critical examination of discriminatory structures.

Uncomfortable, loud, courageous - and "unbearable" for a system that often only knew equality on paper. Their struggle is still relevant today: after all, how equal is our society really?

Didn't have time to be there? No problem: simply listen to our podcast on the go - on Spotify, Apple Music or Deezer.

Here are a few impressions of our event.

Video message from Prof. Dr. Roswitha Böhm - Vice-Rector University Culture

Video message from Annekatrin Klepsch - Mayor and Councillor for Culture, Science and Tourism

The exhibition "Together we are unbearable" brings their stories to Dresden

Documents, photos and moving interviews show how women stood up for their rights back then - and why their fight is still not over today. An exhibition about courage, resistance and a movement that made and continues to make history.

How equal is our society really?
How do economic inequalities, educational issues, housing policy and environmental crises still influence social justice today?

Kulturpalast Dresden, Wilsdruffer Straße 18, 01067 Dresden
When: July 21 - August 20, 2025
Where: Dresden Central Library (2nd floor)

In cooperation with *sowieso* e.V., Frauenstadtarchiv e.V. and Dresden Municipal Libraries, TUD Dresden University of Technology invites you to the opening of the traveling exhibition "Together we are unbearable - The independent women's movement in the GDR". The exhibition tells the story of women who organized and campaigned independently in the GDR in the 1980s and fought for peace, human rights and equality - courageously, uncomfortably and unmistakably.

Opening & live podcast

When: July 24, 6:00 pm
Where: Dresden Central Library (2nd floor)

To kick off the exhibition, guests from academia and activism will discuss the independent women's movement in the GDR, its significance back then - and its relevance today - in a public podcast recording.

Our speakers:

• Friederike Berger - Project coordination of the Frauen*stadtarchiv Dresden
• Annekatrin Klepsch - Mayor, Councillor for Culture, Science and Tourism
• Grit Lemke - Author of the novel "Children of Hoy"
• Judith Geffert - Curator of the exhibition

© Anne-Katrin Olbrich

• Anne-Katrin Olbrich - Cultural scientist, couple and life counseling
   

Moderation: Lisa-Marie Eberhardter - Research Associate for Sandra Gockel

Musical accompaniment:

• Annemarie Reynis - Musical intro
• Patrick Neumann and Jo Aldinger - Musical breaks

Bus tours "Rebels on the move - by bus through the history of the Dresden women's movement"

When: July 28 & August 2, 2025, each from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

As part of the exhibition, a bus tour on July 28 and August 2, 2025 from 4 p . m. to 6 p.m. invites you to search for historical traces. The tour will visit central sites of the women's movement in Dresden in the late GDR and the reunification period - such as the Frauenstadtarchiv e.V and the *sowieso*. Contemporary witnesses and experts will talk about the struggles of the time and current perspectives.

Participation is free of charge, registration is required. Further information and registration

Closing event

Thursday, August 14, 2025, 5 p.m.
Under the title "Thinking ahead together", we would like to conclude the exhibition "Together we are unbearable" with an open dialog event.

At various themed islands, we will pick up on key ideas from the exhibition, podcast and bus tours. The aim is to get people talking, network perspectives and jointly develop ideas for sustainable documentation that captures the diversity of experiences and voices.

Organized by:
TUD Dresden University of Technology - Directorate University Culture | Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden | Agentur für Bildung, Geschichte und Politik e.V.
Further information

Photo reference

Photographs and videos will be taken during this event. The photos will be used for the press and public relations work of the TUD and the other participants. If necessary, photos will also be passed on to third parties for reporting purposes. By participating in the event, you agree that photos of you may be used for publications in print and online media, including social media.

This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Free State of Saxony as part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State governments.