May was just the beginning
The summer was long - and yet it was full of movement. After the big demonstration in May, many of us took a deep breath, gathered our strength and paused. But it wasn't quiet.
Manja tirelessly continued to run our Instagram channel. Sabrina successfully organized a Mothers' demonstration in Mainz on September 20 (more on this soon here!). In Berlin, our circle of supporters has developed the idea of a Map of Care & Equality a map designed to make visible all the projects and initiatives that are fighting for equality, care and mothers' rights. So that we know each other, connect, join forces, refer to each other and pass on our knowledge.
We were also politically active: our letters to the ministries with our demands went out. The answers were to be expected - references to the coalition agreement. But we are not letting up. At the same time, the issue grew Women's strike continued over the summer, was discussed, shared, strengthened - a sign that we are part of a larger movement.
And there is one piece of news that is particularly exciting: many remember Britta's story from May at the rally, her long journey through the courts against the discrimination of mothers on parental leave. It's about a landmark ruling: that the incremental term of pay scales must not be suspended during parental leave. And just imagine, on September 1, Britta filed a constitutional complaint! (More on this here soon!)
We also sought advice on the future of the campaign - from the German Foundation for Commitment and Volunteering. The message is clear: Without money, we won't make it to May 2026. But with money - there's no stopping us.
And we are planning further: at the AKF conference on November 1-2 in Leipzig we want to get together as a campaign, reunite our forces. And then we will look ahead again: May 10, 2026 - back to Berlin.
What sustains us is the memory of May: that special spirit, the strength of thousands who took to the streets with us. This strength is still there. It lives in us, in all the projects, in the many women who are ready to take part.
The task now is to gather this energy, find structures, create commitment - and win over even more women. Because: When we move, everything moves.