Alice Schwarzer: The Architect of Modern German Feminism
BERLIN, 23 February 2026 — As Germany navigates a complex political landscape marked by shifting social dynamics and intense debates over identity, one name remains at the epicentre of the national discourse: Alice Schwarzer. For over five decades, the founder of EMMA magazine has served as both a catalyst for progress and a lightning rod for controversy, shaping the Federal Republic’s understanding of gender, power, and secularism.
A Life Defined by Activism
Born on 3 December 1942, Alice Sophie Schwarzer emerged as the most prominent face of the New Women’s Movement in West Germany during the 1970s. Her journey into the public consciousness was cemented by her work as a journalist in Paris, where she was influenced by the existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. This intellectual partnership proved foundational for Schwarzer’s later efforts to dismantle patriarchal structures in her home country.
Schwarzer first gained national notoriety in 1971 when she initiated the “We had abortions!” campaign in Stern magazine. By persuading 374 women to publicly admit to having terminated pregnancies—at a time when the procedure was strictly illegal—she forced a confrontation with Paragraph 218 of the German penal code, a battle that continues to resonate in contemporary legal debates.
The EMMA Legacy
In 1977, Schwarzer founded EMMA, a feminist magazine “by women for women.” The publication was an immediate sensation, with its first issue selling over 200,000 copies. For nearly fifty years, EMMA has served as Schwarzer’s primary platform, tackling subjects ranging from domestic violence and pornography to the gender pay gap and the role of Islam in Western society.
Key Milestones in Alice Schwarzer’s Career
| Year | Event / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1942 | Born in Wuppertal, Germany |
| 1971 | Initiated the “We had abortions!” campaign in Stern |
| 1975 | Published Der kleine Unterschied und seine großen Folgen (The Little Difference and its Huge Consequences) |
| 1977 | Founded the feminist magazine EMMA |
| 2005 | Honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit |
| 2011 | Published her autobiography, Lebenslauf |
Current Debates and Political Stance
In early 2026, Schwarzer remains a fixture in German media. Recent appearances, including a high-profile “Spitzengespräch” with DER SPIEGEL, have seen her weigh in on the most pressing issues of the day. Her current focus has shifted towards the complexities of migration, the rise of the AfD, and the ongoing “trans-debate,” where her traditional feminist views often clash with modern intersectional perspectives.
The “Alice vs. Alice” Discourse
Last week, political commentators noted Schwarzer’s nuanced—and often surprising—observations regarding Alice Weidel of the AfD. Despite fundamental policy differences, Schwarzer has frequently analysed the “Weidel phenomenon” through a feminist lens, examining how a woman navigates the leadership of a right-wing populist party. This willingness to engage with uncomfortable political realities remains a hallmark of her “partisan” journalistic style.
Literary Contributions
Beyond her journalism, Schwarzer is a prolific author with over 26 books to her name. Her works often blend biographical sketches with sociological analysis. Notable publications include:
- Der kleine Unterschied und seine großen Folgen (1975)
- Simone de Beauvoir heute (1982)
- Lebenslauf (2011)
- Meine algerische Familie (2018)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alice Schwarzer still the editor of EMMA?
Yes, Alice Schwarzer remains the publisher and editor-in-chief of EMMA. While the magazine has evolved with the digital age, she maintains a hands-on role in its editorial direction from its headquarters in Cologne.
What is Alice Schwarzer’s stance on modern gender identity?
Schwarzer has been a vocal critic of certain aspects of the “Trans-Act,” arguing that the focus on self-identification may undermine hard-won protections for biological women. This has made her a controversial figure among younger, intersectional feminist groups.
Has Alice Schwarzer received any awards?
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, most notably the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) in 2005, acknowledging her lifelong commitment to women’s rights and social discourse in Germany.
Where can I see Alice Schwarzer today?
As of February 2026, she continues to appear frequently on German talk shows such as Markus Lanz and contributes regularly to major news outlets like DER SPIEGEL and her own publication, EMMA. A wax figure of her is also on display at Madame Tussauds in Berlin.