On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and achievements of migrant women in Germany who have overcome challenges to make significant contributions to society. Here are some inspiring real-life success stories:​

Gülşen Aktaş: Advocate for Migrant Women

Virginia Wangare Greiner. Photo by Michaedx, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Born in Tunceli, Turkey with a Kurdish origin, Gülşen Aktaş moved to Germany in 1978. She has dedicated her life to supporting migrant women, working in women’s shelters and founding networks for women of diverse backgrounds. In 2007, she became the director of “Huzur,” a center for senior citizens, promoting intercultural dialogue and integration. Her efforts have been recognized with awards such as the “Kosmopolita” Prize in 2009 and the Order of Merit of Berlin in 2011.

Virginia Wangare Greiner: Champion of Health and Integration

Originally from Kenya, Virginia Wangare Greiner relocated to Germany in 1986. She has been instrumental in supporting African migrant communities, particularly women, through initiatives like “Maisha,” a counseling center for African women in Germany. Her work focuses on health promotion, integration, and combating practices like female genital mutilation. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in 2006. ​

Saliha Scheinhardt: Voice for the Voiceless

Saliha Scheinhardt. Photo by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Saliha Scheinhardt, born in Konya, Turkey, emigrated to Germany in 1967. She became the first Turkish migrant woman to write in the German language, authoring novels that shed light on the struggles of oppressed individuals, especially Turkish migrant women. Her works, such as “Frauen, die sterben, ohne dass sie gelebt hätten” (“Women Who Die Without Having Lived”), have been both commercially successful and influential in German literature. ​

Bikeygees e.V.: Empowering Through Cycling

Founded in 2016 by Annette Krüger and Anne Seebach, Bikeygees e.V. is an intercultural project in Berlin that teaches women with migrant or refugee backgrounds how to ride bicycles. The initiative promotes empowerment and mobility, enabling participants to better integrate into society. By 2023, the organization had conducted over 1,000 training sessions, teaching more than 1,700 women and girls to cycle.

These stories highlight the remarkable journeys of migrant women in Germany, showcasing their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable contributions they make to society.