Before the Berlin Wall fell, the two contrasting worlds showcased differences in many aspects of life, from political to cultural. On the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, IMAGO’s archive explores women in East Germany, highlighting their roles, work, and daily lives under GDR policies.
Fall of the Wall, 35 Years On: Women in East Germany
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, it symbolized much more than the end of a divided Germany—it marked a significant shift in two contrasting worlds. The division ran deeper than political ideology; it engraved the core of society, shaping distinct social norms and cultural differences, especially for women. Each state had its own expectations for women’s roles in society.
In East Germany, women were primarily viewed as vital contributors to the workforce, with the state promoting employment as a “citizenship duty.” By 1989, 89% of women in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were part of the labor market, supported by policies that provided affordable childcare, healthcare, and job security. This emphasis on workforce participation reflected the socialist framework, where women identified themselves as workers alongside men. In contrast, West Germany maintained a more traditional family model, with only 56% of women participating in labor.
As we mark the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, we invite you to explore our visual memory lane of women’s daily lives in East Germany, from work environments to social gatherings.
The credit of the cover photo: IMAGO/Sächsische Zeitung