Maria Furtwängler in conversation: 'Many would like to turn back the clock on feminism'
When Maria Furtwängler enters a room, you notice it—that blend of elegant reserve and a clarity of purpose you rarely encounter. The actor, doctor, and one of Germany's most prominent women recently pulled no punches in a conversation about power, outdated gender roles, and a sentiment that lingers: "Many would like to turn back the clock on feminism."
A woman who rubs people the wrong way—deliberately
Audiences know her as a detective from the long-running crime series "Tatort," as the face of the MaLisa Foundation, which she co-founded with her daughter, and as one of the few voices in German television consistently championing equality. But what really drives Maria Furtwängler? As the discussion unfolded, it became clear: it's a frustration with how casually patriarchal structures are continually being reinforced. She spoke of a discernible counter-movement in recent years—a "backlash" attempting to claw back hard-won freedoms.
"Feminism isn't a luxury; it's a survival strategy"
A particularly striking moment came when she touched upon her own life story. Having trained as a physician and practised alongside her acting career, she understands the reality of systemic disadvantage. She spoke of female colleagues passed over for leadership roles, and young girls still being squeezed into narrow stereotypes. Then came a statement that landed with the force of a thunderclap: "Many would like to undo feminism because it challenges them."
- Her thesis: A fear of losing power is driving many men—and some women, too.
- Her tool: The MaLisa Foundation, which, through research and projects, repeatedly highlights uncomfortable truths.
- Her motivation: The conviction that a fairer society ultimately benefits everyone.
Why now? A look at Switzerland and Germany
The debate isn't confined to Germany. In Switzerland, we're seeing similar discussions: around women's pensions, unpaid care work, and representation in the boardroom. Maria Furtwängler made it clear she sees these as European phenomena. It's a "cultural backlash," she argues, that cuts across all social strata. That's why it's all the more important to persevere—not with a wagging finger, but with sharp analysis and a touch of humour. And yes, she laughed when asked about her own dual career: "Perhaps it's precisely this sense of being pulled between different worlds that drives me."
You get the sense: this is a woman unafraid of conflict. She even seeks it out if it serves a purpose. Whether acting in front of the camera or working as an activist behind the scenes, Maria Furtwängler remains someone who pays attention. And who reminds us that feminism isn't just a buzzword, but a mindset. A mindset worth defending—perhaps now more than ever.