Mönchengladbach Celebrates International Women’s Day with Diverse Events
Mönchengladbach is gearing up for a series of events surrounding International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2026. For over 100 years, International Women’s Day has been a moment for discussion, celebration, and advocacy for women’s rights and self-determination globally.
Film Screening: “Maria Montessori”
The city’s Gleichstellungsstelle (Equal Opportunities Office) will host a screening of the film “Maria Montessori” at the Comet Cine Center on Sunday evening, March 8th, at 7:45 PM. The film portrays the life of the influential Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, and her pioneering work in education. Admission is free, but registration is required via email at [email protected] or by phone at 02161 253611.
Exploring Women’s History at Schloss Rheydt
Schloss Rheydt Museum will offer a guided tour focusing on the lives of noblewomen in the early modern period. The tour, taking place from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on March 8th, will highlight the experiences and agency of women from the von Bylandt family. Museum admission includes access to the tour, which is offered free of charge.
Art, Performance, and Dialogue at Köntges
The Köntges cultural center will be a hub of activity on International Women’s Day. The Initiative Orange will host a lecture at 1:00 PM exploring the roles of Black and Indigenous women, trans women, and non-binary individuals within feminism. Attendees can participate in a jute bag decorating workshop at 3:00 PM, followed by a performance of “Bodypolitics” at 5:00 PM. This exhibition by students from Hochschule Niederrhein uses dance to examine societal perceptions and evaluations of women’s bodies.
Demonstration Planned for March 9th
A demonstration is scheduled for March 9th at 4:00 PM on Sonnenhausplatz, coordinated nationally by Töchterkollektiv and organized locally by the “Orga Zelle Mönchengladbach.” The protest aims to raise awareness about the significant amount of unpaid “care work” often performed by women, such as childcare and elder care.
Additional Events Showcasing Female Artists and Perspectives
Further events will capture place around March 8th, spotlighting the work of female artists. Jara Reker and Tea will exhibit their art at Köntges starting March 2nd. Reker’s work features portraits and stories of women and female-identifying individuals from Mönchengladbach, whereas Tea’s installation, “Edeltraud,” addresses themes of power structures, body politics, and patriarchy. Janina-Lucia will similarly present texts blending prose and poetry. The Rosa Luxemburg Club, in collaboration with IG Metall Mönchengladbach, will screen the film “Sternstunde ihres Lebens” at the Volkshochschule on March 5th at 7:00 PM, a film about Elisabeth Selbert’s fight to enshrine equality in the German constitution.
FAQ
What is International Women’s Day? It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Is the film screening free? Yes, admission to the “Maria Montessori” screening is free, but registration is required.
Where can I find more information about the demonstration? Details about the demonstration on Sonnenhausplatz can be found online.
What is “Bodypolitics”? It’s a dance performance and exhibition by students from Hochschule Niederrhein exploring how women’s bodies are perceived in society.
How do I register for the film screening? You can register by emailing [email protected] or calling 02161 253611.
