Women's fights in the Ruhr area: Review of a controversial documentary

Women's fights in the Ruhr area: Review of a controversial documentary

On March 10, 2025, the documentary "Women on the Ruhr" is once again in focus after being broadcast on December 28, 1967 by the WDR. This impressive cinematic work directed by Ernst-Ludwig Freisewinkel shows a real image of life of women in the Ruhr area. The 48-minute documentation illuminates various professions of women, including a crane guide, telephone pastor, pastor and cleaning lady. Among the protagonists can also be found by the Manger, a inland nave and wife of the well -known Tegtmeier, as well as the fortune teller Madame Tomasini. This consideration of life beyond the romanticized "Ruhrpott idyll" ensured controversy and backlash.

The WDR was faced with protests after the broadcast. Political representatives such as the North Rhine-Westphalian CDU chairman Josef Hermann Dufhues expressed sharp criticism and described the presentation as "marriage harmful to our girls on the Ruhr". This negative perception caused the station forced to justify himself for the image he conveyed. It becomes clear that the women shown were not the "happy teenagers", but rather working, older or desperate women in the region. The contradictions in the reactions to the documentation make it clear how deeply the topic of the visibility of women is rooted in society.

film discussion and event

The memory of "women on the Ruhr" and the associated topics will be taken up on March 10 by an event in cooperation with the VHS Duisburg and the Duisburg Film Week. After the projection there will be a film discussion that should further deepen the questions and discussions. Tickets for the event are available at the following prices:

The form of documentation by Freisewinkel, which partially worked with a hidden camera, was legally permitted in the 1960s. Nowadays, obtaining a written declaration of consent is required for such recordings in order to protect the personal rights of the people depicted. These framework conditions illustrate both the change in film technology and the increased awareness of personal rights today.

"Women on the Ruhr" is more than just a documentary; It is a piece of contemporary history that addresses the struggle of women for visibility and recognition. The urgent and realistic style of Freisewinkel has made the documentation relevant to this day, which is demonstrated by the continued discussion about your content. Further information about the film and its background can be found in the reports of TVSerien.de .

The reflection of the past is important, especially with regard to women's roles and their social perception, not only in the Ruhr area, but also beyond. The documentation and the associated discussions offer a valuable space for this exchange, which is still important for many women today.