Hardly any other public holiday is subject to as much public criticism as International Women's Day on March 8. Since the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in 2019, Berlin is the only federal state in which International Women's Day is a public holiday. The sense and nonsense of the women's quota has been discussed in German politics and business for many years.

This year, we would like to make a special appeal of hope, respect and solidarity to all women who are fleeing the war and destruction in Ukraine. We see ourselves as a community that transcends national and gender boundaries and stands for equality, justice and peace.

In the run-up to International Women's Day, we asked around some of our female board and executive committee members and would like to share with you the most inspiring and motivating quotes from our FCG board and executive committee members Anita Tillmann (Managing Partner Premium Group), Chris Stricker (CEO &Founder haebmau), Christiane Arp (Chairwoman FCG), Claudia Hofmann (Fashion Consultant & Stylist), Mandie Bienek (Founding Executive Director Press Factory), Manuela Kampp-Wirtz (CPO Publishing Premium / Board Member Burda Verlag) and Nadja Swarovski (President FCG):

FCG: What is your opinion on International Women's Day?

Christiane Arp: In my opinion, it should be International Women's Day every 365 days of the year. There should be equality and justice.

FCG: What does it mean to you to be a woman in 2022?‍

Manuela Kampp-Wirtz: For me, being a woman in Germany in 2022 means having (almost) every opportunity. I love being a woman and am grateful for the generations before us who have already fought for an incredible amount in terms of equal rights. At the same time, there is still a lot to do when it comes to equal opportunities (in Germany too). Unfortunately, we are still not where we need to be in 2022. I am convinced that companies can only be economically successful in the future if they are diverse and inclusive.

Chris Stricker: I am proud to be a woman and, above all, I enjoy being one! I have been an independent entrepreneur from the very beginning and in my decades-long role as a manager, equality has never been a foreign concept to me, but a conviction. The partners in my community are genderless for me. Woman, man or diverse - who cares? I have lived by this principle for over 30 years. For me personally, being a woman means Flexibility, more opportunities and diversity. Nevertheless, equality for women is far from being state of the art, even in 2022: the #metoo debate, among other things, has shown this.

‍

Nadja Swarovski: The year 2022 is a great opportunity to cement the already great lead in equality even further. We live in a free country where many opportunities are available to us. We just have to climb them.

FCG: Keyword equality: As an industry expert, how would you assess equality in the German fashion industry?

Anita Tillmann: There are still far too few women in management positions! Despite legal requirements, social pressure and many cool role models, we are still a long way from real equality in 2022, especially at the higher levels. A women's quota is more necessary than I thought - and it would certainly make the world a better place!

Claudia Hoffmann: Equality in fashion is still a long way off. However, I believe that the person who is best suited to a job should get the job. However, the prerequisite here is that everyone must be considered equally! The beginning of all equality is education, which everyone should have on equal terms!

Mandie Bienek: There are certainly more women along the value chain and more men at management level. But relatively balanced in the design sector. In any case, there is certainly room for improvement.

FCG: Speaking of leadership: to what extent has your role at the FCG changed over the years?

Chris Stricker: My involvement in the Fashion Council Germany has not fundamentally changed in recent years. I am still happy to contribute my communications expertise and my personal network as part of the Executive Committee and thus make the German fashion industry heard.

Mandie Bienek: From the management and day-to-day business, I am now active in an advisory capacity and provide support where I am needed.

Anita Tillmann: As a founding member, I worked on the board for a few years with my fantastic colleagues and I am proud to continue to support the FCG as a member of the executive committee.

‍ FCG: What advice would you give today's young women?

Anita Tillmann: Independence, self-determination and education are the greatest assets.

Chris Stricker: Fight for your rights, be yourself and don't bend. We all have to fight for our rights in our own way, so it's important to always keep your goal in mind and not let yourself be swayed from your own path. Realize yourself, be happy and convince with good arguments!

Mandie Bienek: Finding your own path and yourself in the process is one of the biggest and most beautiful challenges of growing up. My advice is to focus on yourself. Don't lose yourself in the outside world. Consume less and stay with yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do. And find out for yourself. And don't forget to look to the right and left on your path to bring along those who need your help.

Nadja Swarovski: Study as much as possible, because education not only gives you knowledge, but also the self-confidence you need to be able to lead in business, but also to assert yourself with knowledge. Work together as a team. Support each other as women, because with strong backing you can support anyone who needs it.

‍

We would like to thank our FCG Board and Executive Committee members for the discussions.

‍

Together with Aktion Deutschland Hilft e. V., we are calling for support for their ongoing projects, including for the people of Ukraine. Donate now HERE.