Maria Furtwängler in an Exclusive Interview: "Many Would Love to Roll Back Feminism"
When Maria Furtwängler enters a room, you sense this rare blend of elegant reserve and uncompromising clarity. The actress, physician, and one of Germany's most prominent women recently sat down for a conversation where she didn't mince words. The topics were power, outdated gender roles, and one particularly resonant statement: "Many would love to roll back feminism."
A Woman Who Pushes Boundaries—Intentionally
Audiences know her as a detective on the long-running crime series "Tatort," as the face of the MaLisa Foundation she co-founded with her daughter, and as one of the few consistent voices for gender equality on German television. But what truly drives Maria Furtwängler? During the interview, it became clear: it's a frustration with the casual way patriarchal structures are continuously re-established. She spoke of a noticeable counter-movement in recent years—a "backlash" attempting to dismantle hard-won freedoms.
"Feminism Isn't a Luxury, It's a Survival Strategy"
A particularly striking moment came when she discussed her own life. A trained physician who has practiced medicine alongside her acting career, she speaks with authority on systemic disadvantages. She shared stories of female colleagues passed over for leadership roles, and of young girls still being forced into narrow stereotypes. And then came the statement that landed like a thunderclap: "Many would love to roll back feminism because it challenges them."
- Her diagnosis: A fear of losing power is a driving force for many men—and some women, too.
- Her tool: The MaLisa Foundation, which consistently hits a nerve with its research and projects.
- Her motivation: The deep-seated belief that a fairer society ultimately benefits everyone.
Why Now? A Look at the U.S. and Switzerland
This debate isn't limited to Germany. We're seeing similar discussions play out in the U.S. and Switzerland: debates over retirement age for women, the division of care work, and representation in executive suites. During the interview, Maria Furtwängler made it clear she views these phenomena as a European—and indeed Western—trend. She described it as a "cultural rollback" permeating all levels of society. This makes it all the more crucial to stay engaged—not with a wagging finger, but through sharp analysis and a touch of humor. And yes, she laughed when asked about her own dual career: "Maybe it's precisely this sense of being torn between different worlds that drives me."
It's evident: this woman isn't afraid of conflict. She even seeks it out when it serves the cause. Whether as an actress in front of the camera or as an activist behind the scenes, Maria Furtwängler remains someone who looks closely. And she reminds us that feminism isn't a buzzword, but a fundamental stance. A stance worth defending—especially now.