Through the Eyes of a Woman

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that was adopted by the United Nations 72 years ago on December 10, 1948, has become a self-evident foundation of our lives. I grew up in a country where these rights are taken for granted. Nevertheless, billions of people worldwide are denied these rights, even though much has been done to end discrimination. Chaired by human rights activist Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, the document was prepared by the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1946 to 1948. The 30 articles of the Declaration set out political, economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil rights. I have to admit that I had never read this Declaration in its entirety until today. Of course, I was familiar with various articles, such as the first article: " All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This principle of rights and freedoms applies to every human being regardless of race, sex, or religion. Pr...

Women have long tried to shatter the glass ceiling. Strangely enough, this metaphor is typically American. Europeans need some explanation to be able to understand its meaning. The glass ceiling is a metaphor referring to an artificial barrier that prevents women and minorities from being promoted to high-level positions within an organization. Of course, women have always had to fight for justice and equality, but the glass ceiling is not about general justice and equality. It’s about the chances of women to reach the highest positions. We in Europe have had and still have several female prime ministers and even presidents. They have all at some point broken the glass ceiling. Around the world, there are and have been outstanding women in such positions even in countries where you would not expect it. During the current pandemic, it seems that countries with women in leadership are coping better with the scourge. Women are peace-makers and the United Nations laud the influence of ...

  On the eve of Rosh Haschana 5781 (18.09.2020) Ruth Bader Ginsburg died of cancer at the age of 87. American women owe much to this tireless and intrepid fighter for justice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or RBG, as she was known, served as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court for 27 years until her death. Here in Europe this powerful woman was not so well known, but for many young women in the USA she was a guiding star who showed them the way. As the daughter of Jewish immigrants, her way from humble circumstances to the Supreme Court was amazing. RBG stood up for the rights of women to live self-determined lives. At a time when many paths were closed to women even in the USA, she stood up as a lawyer for equal treatment of men and women.   But in the end she was always concerned that both sexes should be treated equally. She demanded no special status for women, only justice. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of old role concepts. According to an old Jewish t...