http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:22:17 +0200 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:22:17 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/interview-with-imprisoned-german-femen-activist-in-tunisia-a-906368.html#ref=rss A German Femen activist and two fellow demonstrators were sentenced to four months in prison for a topless protest in Tunis. The 19-year-old was recently visited by the German government's human rights commissioner. He said the woman was completely surprised at the verdict. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/interview-with-imprisoned-german-femen-activist-in-tunisia-a-906368.html A German Femen activist and two fellow demonstrators were sentenced to four months in prison for a topless protest in Tunis. The 19-year-old was recently visited by the German government's human rights commissioner. He said the woman was completely surprised at the verdict. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/tunisian-feminist-leader-criticizes-topless-femen-activists-a-905603.html#ref=rss European Femen activists have been sentenced to four months in prison for their topless protest in the Tunisian capital last month. Now the country's opposition leader, herself a respected feminist, is asking Femen to leave, calling their actions counterproductive. Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/tunisian-feminist-leader-criticizes-topless-femen-activists-a-905603.html European Femen activists have been sentenced to four months in prison for their topless protest in the Tunisian capital last month. Now the country's opposition leader, herself a respected feminist, is asking Femen to leave, calling their actions counterproductive.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/rebellious-new-feminism-returns-to-german-social-discourse-a-904100.html#ref=rss Daring, young and self-assured, feminists have reclaimed social discourse in Germany in a big way. But along with activists' successes have come fresh ideological conflicts. Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:41:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/rebellious-new-feminism-returns-to-german-social-discourse-a-904100.html Daring, young and self-assured, feminists have reclaimed social discourse in Germany in a big way. But along with activists' successes have come fresh ideological conflicts.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/topless-femen-protesters-disrupt-next-top-model-finale-in-germany-a-903020.html#ref=rss Women's activist group Femen targeted the finale of Heidi Klum's popular series "Germany's Next Top Model" on Thursday. The topless feminist protesters stormed the catwalk, bearing the words "Heidi Horror Picture Show" on the bared torsos. Fri, 31 May 2013 16:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/topless-femen-protesters-disrupt-next-top-model-finale-in-germany-a-903020.html Women's activist group Femen targeted the finale of Heidi Klum's popular series "Germany's Next Top Model" on Thursday. The topless feminist protesters stormed the catwalk, bearing the words "Heidi Horror Picture Show" on the bared torsos. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/three-topless-femen-activists-arrested-in-tunis-tunisia-a-902667.html#ref=rss Three European women with the feminist activist group Femen were arrested in Tunis on Wednesday after holding a topless protest in front of the Ministry of Justice. Staged against the imprisonment of a fellow activist, it was their first such stunt in the Arab world. Wed, 29 May 2013 18:35:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/three-topless-femen-activists-arrested-in-tunis-tunisia-a-902667.html Three European women with the feminist activist group Femen were arrested in Tunis on Wednesday after holding a topless protest in front of the Ministry of Justice. Staged against the imprisonment of a fellow activist, it was their first such stunt in the Arab world. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-angela-merkel-successfully-wooing-the-female-vote-a-900886.html#ref=rss The German left used to have a corner on the market when it came to progressive social issues. But Chancellor Merkel has transformed the conservatives, attracting huge quantities of women voters along the way. They've become a hot political commodity in this year's upcoming election, with the opposition struggling to catch up. Wed, 22 May 2013 12:52:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-angela-merkel-successfully-wooing-the-female-vote-a-900886.html The German left used to have a corner on the market when it came to progressive social issues. But Chancellor Merkel has transformed the conservatives, attracting huge quantities of women voters along the way. They've become a hot political commodity in this year's upcoming election, with the opposition struggling to catch up.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/protests-mar-opening-of-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-900430.html#ref=rss For some, it's a dream in pink. For others, it's a monument to misogyny. The Barbie Dreamhouse opened its doors in Berlin on Thursday, and demonstrators and journalists were out in force. Femen also made an appearance -- to burn Barbie on the cross. Fri, 17 May 2013 10:50:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/protests-mar-opening-of-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-900430.html For some, it's a dream in pink. For others, it's a monument to misogyny. The Barbie Dreamhouse opened its doors in Berlin on Thursday, and demonstrators and journalists were out in force. Femen also made an appearance -- to burn Barbie on the cross.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/feminists-outraged-by-life-size-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-900041.html#ref=rss Criticism is mounting against the life-size "Barbie Dreamhouse Experience" opening this week in Berlin, with feminist activists calling for protests. Bringing the doll's fantasy life into the real world goes too far in spreading damaging stereotypes, they say. Wed, 15 May 2013 18:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/feminists-outraged-by-life-size-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-900041.html Criticism is mounting against the life-size "Barbie Dreamhouse Experience" opening this week in Berlin, with feminist activists calling for protests. Bringing the doll's fantasy life into the real world goes too far in spreading damaging stereotypes, they say. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-employs-strategy-of-token-politics-in-german-election-campaign-a-898835.html#ref=rss German elections are four months away, and Angela Merkel is on a feel-good campaign. Visits to schools, a summit for female leaders and peaks into her private life are all meant to reassure German voters that all is well. But this requires her to put governing on hold -- a strategy that carries a number of risks. Wed, 08 May 2013 18:03:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-employs-strategy-of-token-politics-in-german-election-campaign-a-898835.html German elections are four months away, and Angela Merkel is on a feel-good campaign. Visits to schools, a summit for female leaders and peaks into her private life are all meant to reassure German voters that all is well. But this requires her to put governing on hold -- a strategy that carries a number of risks.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/topless-feminist-protest-group-femen-expands-in-germany-a-896068.html#ref=rss Women's rights activists with Femen have arrived in Germany, and they have patriarchy in their crosshairs. They're holding training sessions for young women, teaching them how to evade security at protests -- all while bearing their breasts in the name of feminism. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:55:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/topless-feminist-protest-group-femen-expands-in-germany-a-896068.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-labor-minister-ursula-von-der-leyen-stands-up-to-merkel-a-895940.html#ref=rss German Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen has angered Germany's conservatives by openly challenging Chancellor Angela Merkel's authority with her fight for a gender quota. Yet with her bold, risk-taking approach to politics, she also offers an alternative to the chancellor's hesitant style. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-labor-minister-ursula-von-der-leyen-stands-up-to-merkel-a-895940.html German Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen has angered Germany's conservatives by openly challenging Chancellor Angela Merkel's authority with her fight for a gender quota. Yet with her bold, risk-taking approach to politics, she also offers an alternative to the chancellor's hesitant style.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-rejects-law-requiring-board-quotas-a-895238.html#ref=rss Germany's parliament voted on Thursday to reject a law that would have created legally binding gender quotas for the supervisory boards of domestic companies. But even victory hasn't dispelled divisions among conservatives. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:51:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-rejects-law-requiring-board-quotas-a-895238.html Germany's parliament voted on Thursday to reject a law that would have created legally binding gender quotas for the supervisory boards of domestic companies. But even victory hasn't dispelled divisions among conservatives.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/gender-quota-vote-in-germany-tests-coalition-solidarity-a-894417.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel's conservatives are officially against passing a fixed gender quota for women on company supervisory boards. But a number of party members reject this position, chief among them Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen. The rebellion is straining not only coalition solidarity, but also the minister's credibility. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:39:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/gender-quota-vote-in-germany-tests-coalition-solidarity-a-894417.html Angela Merkel's conservatives are officially against passing a fixed gender quota for women on company supervisory boards. But a number of party members reject this position, chief among them Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen. The rebellion is straining not only coalition solidarity, but also the minister's credibility. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/topless-protesters-femen-starts-german-group-a-894420.html#ref=rss Ukrainian activist group Femen has made international headlines by going topless to demonstrate for women's rights. Fresh off their stunt during Putin's visit to Hanover, they plan to bring their topless brand of protest to Germany. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:36:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/topless-protesters-femen-starts-german-group-a-894420.html Ukrainian activist group Femen has made international headlines by going topless to demonstrate for women's rights. Fresh off their stunt during Putin's visit to Hanover, they plan to bring their topless brand of protest to Germany. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/protesters-say-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-bad-model-for-girls-a-891714.html#ref=rss A life-size Barbie Dreamhouse is set to open in Berlin in May, and leftist activists are up in arms. They plan to protest the opening to draw attention to what they say is the wrong role model for girls. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:04:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/protesters-say-barbie-dreamhouse-in-berlin-a-bad-model-for-girls-a-891714.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/broken-career-ladder-german-women-regret-taking-leave-for-children-a-888054.html#ref=rss To what extent do careers suffer when parents take leave to stay home with their children? According to a new survey by the German Family Ministry, nearly 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men regret going on parental leave because of the professional consequences. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:10:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/broken-career-ladder-german-women-regret-taking-leave-for-children-a-888054.html To what extent do careers suffer when parents take leave to stay home with their children? According to a new survey by the German Family Ministry, nearly 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men regret going on parental leave because of the professional consequences. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/sheryl-sandberg-and-marissa-mayer-create-new-guilt-for-working-moms-a-887421.html#ref=rss Two high-profile working mothers in America claim they aren't setting off the 2013 version of the "mommy wars." But, in light of their recent actions, it's hard to view the perspectives of Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg and Yahoo's Marissa Mayer any other way. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:01:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/sheryl-sandberg-and-marissa-mayer-create-new-guilt-for-working-moms-a-887421.html Two high-profile working mothers in America claim they aren't setting off the 2013 version of the "mommy wars." But, in light of their recent actions, it's hard to view the perspectives of Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg and Yahoo's Marissa Mayer any other way.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/sheryl-sandberg-encourages-women-to-storm-the-executive-floors-a-887006.html#ref=rss Silicon Valley executive Sheryl Sandberg has written a new book in which she calls upon women to storm the corridors of power. The senior Facebook manager has unleashed a new debate about feminism and female ambition that is likely to spread beyond the United States. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/sheryl-sandberg-encourages-women-to-storm-the-executive-floors-a-887006.html Silicon Valley executive Sheryl Sandberg has written a new book in which she calls upon women to storm the corridors of power. The senior Facebook manager has unleashed a new debate about feminism and female ambition that is likely to spread beyond the United States. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-to-lobby-against-eu-gender-quota-a-887174.html#ref=rss Berlin plans to fight the proposed EU-wide gender quota for boards of publicly-traded companies, according to a media report on Wednesday. German representatives in Brussels have been instructed to block the measure. Instead, the government wants member states to come up with their own rules. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:58:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-to-lobby-against-eu-gender-quota-a-887174.html Berlin plans to fight the proposed EU-wide gender quota for boards of publicly-traded companies, according to a media report on Wednesday. German representatives in Brussels have been instructed to block the measure. Instead, the government wants member states to come up with their own rules.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-rise-of-christine-lagarde-to-lead-the-international-monetary-fund-a-886728.html#ref=rss Christine Lagarde is the first woman ever to lead the International Monetary Fund. As part of her role in helping to save the euro, she's had to go head to head with some of the world's most important countries. She's not afraid of the fight and she doesn't give up easily. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:25:32 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-rise-of-christine-lagarde-to-lead-the-international-monetary-fund-a-886728.html Christine Lagarde is the first woman ever to lead the International Monetary Fund. As part of her role in helping to save the euro, she's had to go head to head with some of the world's most important countries. She's not afraid of the fight and she doesn't give up easily. ]]>