Maria Furtwängler in Exclusive Interview: 'Many Would Love to Turn Back the Clock on Feminism'
When Maria Furtwängler walks into a room, there's a unique blend of elegant reserve and a clarity of purpose you rarely encounter. The actress, doctor, and one of Germany's most recognised women recently didn't mince her words in an interview. The conversation touched on power, outdated gender roles, and one particularly resonant statement: "Many would love to turn back the clock on feminism."
A woman who pushes boundaries – intentionally
She's well-known as a detective from the German TV crime series "Tatort," as the face of the MaLisa Foundation she co-founded with her daughter, and as one of the few voices in German television consistently championing equality. But what truly drives Maria Furtwängler? As the interview unfolded, it became clear: it's a frustration with how casually patriarchal structures keep being reinforced. She spoke of a noticeable counter-movement in recent years – a "backlash" attempting to roll back hard-won freedoms.
"Feminism isn't a luxury, it's a survival strategy"
A particularly striking moment came when she discussed her own life story. A trained physician who practised alongside her acting career, she speaks with authority on structural disadvantages. She shared stories of female colleagues being overlooked for leadership roles, and of young girls still being squeezed into restrictive stereotypes. Then came the line that landed like a bombshell: "Many would like to undo feminism because it challenges them."
- Her argument: The fear of losing power is a real concern for many men – and some women too.
- Her tool: The MaLisa Foundation, which consistently highlights uncomfortable truths through research and projects.
- Her motivation: The firm belief that a fairer society ultimately benefits everyone.
Why now? A view from Switzerland and Germany
This debate isn't confined to Germany. Here in Switzerland, we're seeing very similar conversations unfold – around women's retirement ages, unpaid care work, and representation in executive suites. Maria Furtwängler made it clear she sees these as European-wide phenomena. It's a "cultural rollback" cutting across all social strata, she suggested. That's precisely why persistence is key – not with a wagging finger, but through sharp analysis and a touch of humour. And yes, she laughed when questioned about her own dual career: "Maybe it's exactly this feeling of being pulled between different worlds that drives me."
You get the sense this woman isn't afraid of conflict. In fact, she'll embrace it if it serves the greater good. Whether as an actress in front of the camera or as an activist behind the scenes, Maria Furtwängler remains someone who pays close attention. And someone who reminds us that feminism isn't just a buzzword – it's a mindset. A mindset well worth defending, especially now.