For me, Soroptimism means living our values and treating every person with dignity and respect. As a lawyer, I am particularly mindful of the rights we are granted and the rights we are entitled to claim, both nationally and internationally.
As the founding president of my club, I have always been guided by a quote from Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, the 19th-century Austrian writer: “What we do today determines what the world will look like tomorrow.”
These words reflect my belief that meaningful change begins with each of us. By standing up for our values, respecting the dignity of every individual, and taking responsibility for our actions, we can help shape a more just and equitable world. For me, this is the essence of Soroptimism: turning our convictions into action and making a lasting difference for women, girls, and society as a whole.
What is your personal motivation for serving on the SIE Board 2026-2027?
When I commit myself to something, I do so wholeheartedly, with a genuine willingness to dedicate my time, experience and energy to a cause I believe in.
For me, Soroptimist means far more than the idea of sorores optimae – the best of sisters. It is a worldwide organisation and a powerful network of women who stand together across borders, work to improve the lives of women and girls, and strive to create lasting change. What matters to me is not simply sharing these values, but translating them into meaningful action.
My journey within Soroptimist reflects this commitment. In 2016, I joined a club in formation and became its founding president in the same year. Since 2022, I served on the SI Germany Constitution Team, and in 2026, I joined the SIE Constitution Team as well.
Serving on the SIE Board is therefore a natural next step in my journey. It offers me the opportunity to contribute my experience, my legal perspective and my commitment at the European level. I would like to help strengthen our organisation, bring our shared values to life, and further enhance our impact on the lives of women and girls in a changing world.
When I embark on something, I do so wholeheartedly – ready to take responsibility, contribute with conviction, and see the commitment through.
What is your vision for a better world?
My vision of a better world is founded on four fundamental values: equality, peace, security and human dignity.
These are the values I stand for and strive to live by – not only through my voluntary commitment to Soroptimist, but also in my professional and personal life.
Equality must be more than a word or a political commitment. It must be put into practice through equal rights, equal opportunities, and the genuine ability of women and girls to shape their own lives.
For me, peace and security mean far more than the absence of war. They are fundamental human needs and essential conditions for living in freedom, without fear, and with the opportunity to shape one’s own future. These are rights that every human being must enjoy – every woman and every girl, everywhere in the world.
At the heart of my vision lies human dignity. Article 1 of the German “Grundgesetz” (its constitution) states this principle unequivocally: “Human dignity shall be inviolable.” For me, this is not merely a legal principle; it is a fundamental commitment that must guide the way we think and act.
These values are inseparable. I want to contribute to a world in which they are not simply proclaimed as ideals, but become a lived reality for women and girls. Because a better world begins when we take our convictions seriously, accept responsibility, and have the courage to act consistently in accordance with our values.
What do you do to stay motivated in your work?
My motivation is both pragmatic and deeply rooted in my convictions: never give up, and always stay focused on what truly matters – people.
As a lawyer, I pay particular attention to the meaning of words. For me, the concept of fellow human beings extends far beyond those who are physically close to us. It encompasses all those to whom we are connected through our shared humanity, across borders, cultures and countries.
I also look at disappointment from a different perspective. To me, being disillusioned can mean recognising an illusion for what it is and freeing oneself from it. This can bring clarity and open up new possibilities.
I see different opinions not as obstacles, but as opportunities to learn and grow. Conflicts, too, are part of human interaction. For me, the real challenge is to look beyond differing positions, identify the interests and values we share, and find common ground that brings us together rather than drives us apart.
This is where I see one of the greatest strengths of Soroptimist: we are a strong, reliable and professional network, built on solidarity and a shared commitment to common goals. Our different perspectives are a source of inspiration rather than division. This sense of connection motivates me to persevere in the face of challenges, build bridges and work together towards a better future for women and girls.
What is your country doing to support and empower women?
Germany has an established legal and institutional framework for gender equality, supported by the German Constitution, comprehensive social security systems, a strong education and vocational training system, and an active civil society. Article 3 guarantees since 1949 equal rights for women and men and obliges the state to promote the effective implementation of equality and eliminate existing disadvantages. These foundations provide an important basis for advancing women’s rights and opportunities. At the same time, equality remains an ongoing task that requires continuous commitment, effective policies and societal change.
Women’s participation in leadership and decision-making is an important part of this process. Through legislation such as the Act on the Equal Participation of Women and Men in Leadership Positions, Germany has introduced measures to increase women’s representation in corporate leadership.
Education, economic independence and innovation are equally important. Germany offers broad access to free education and vocational training and supports initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and engineering. Networks such as MINTvernetzt help connect organisations and initiatives working to improve opportunities for women in these fields. The reconciliation of work, family and care responsibilities is another key area. Instruments such as parental leave and parental allowance support families in combining employment and childcare. Yet women continue to carry a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, which can limit their professional opportunities and financial security. Greater recognition and a more equitable distribution of care responsibilities are therefore important steps towards genuine equality.
Women’s health is strengthening protection and counselling services for women affected by gender-based and domestic violence. The planned introduction of a statutory entitlement to free protection and counselling from 2032 represents a move towards more reliable, nationwide support.
Germany also contributes to the international agenda on women, peace and security, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. This framework highlights the importance of women’s participation in peace processes, conflict prevention and security policy, as well as the need to protect women and girls affected by armed conflict. Women’s voices must be part of shaping peace, not merely be heard after conflict has occurred. Political participation and representation remain essential to democratic equality. Although women have access to political and public life, they continue to be underrepresented in several elected bodies and decision-making structures.
Tell us about your Soroptimist club! What projects are you most proud of?
Founded in 2019 as the 225th club of Soroptimist International Germany, SI Club Erwitte-Hellweg combines strong local roots with international friendship and a deep commitment to the values of Soroptimist International. As the club’s founding president, I had the privilege of laying its foundations and shaping its identity around solidarity, responsibility and purposeful action. I am proud that our club is vibrant and dynamic, with women aged 30 to 70 working hand in hand in the spirit of Soroptimist International.
At the local and regional levels, the club translates these values into practical initiatives that address social needs across generations. Its projects support women, children and young people, promote social inclusion and strengthen community ties. Through its involvement in the international Orange the World campaign, the club raises awareness of violence against women and advocates for greater protection and equality. It also supports initiatives such as ECHT STARK, which addresses the needs of children growing up with parents affected by mental illness or addiction, and Horizontas e. V., which provides bereavement support for children and young people. Other projects include fostering teamwork and social integration among nursing trainees from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as bringing joy to older people through Christmas gifts for residents of care facilities.
Cooperation with local organisations is central to this work. Through initiatives such as Erwitte hilft e. V., the club contributes to a culture of mutual support and civic engagement. Charity film screenings and literary readings combine fundraising with cultural exchange, education and opportunities for dialogue, demonstrating how community activities can generate both social impact and lasting connections.
The club’s commitment extends beyond the region. By supporting the Water for Africa project, it contributes to international efforts to improve access to water and promote sustainable development. This engagement reflects our conviction that solidarity transcends geographical boundaries and that local commitment can form part of a wider global effort to improve living conditions and create opportunities for a better future.
International friendship is another defining feature of SI Club Erwitte-Hellweg. Our members actively participate in World and European Congresses, national Soroptimist meetings in Germany and visits to other clubs.
These encounters foster lasting friendships, encourage the exchange of perspectives and good practices, and bring new ideas and inspiration to our work at home. They also reinforce our sense of belonging to a worldwide network of women committed to advancing the rights, opportunities and well-being of women and girls.
What distinguishes SI Club Erwitte-Hellweg is the combination of hands-on social engagement, cultural initiative and a genuine enthusiasm for international cooperation. Our projects demonstrate that meaningful change can begin within a local community and extend far beyond it.
Above all, they reflect our shared belief that a club’s impact is measured not by its age or size, but by the commitment of its members, the strength of their collaboration and their determination to turn shared values into tangible results.
