Every 2nd marriage ends in divorce

Every 3rd woman experiences violence in her partnerships

Every 5th child sees their parents separate

Every 3rd single mother is affected by poverty.

EU statistics show that our relationship and family models are changing. The institution of Marriage till death do us part is crumbling at every turn.

But did marriage ever work and, if so, for whom?

The classic model of the nuclear family, based on marriage, is still supported both politically and socially to this day. It's glorified in books and films and sold to us as the only possible type of relationship.

Many decide to get married and then see their romanticised ideal shattered by the challenges of everyday life. The partnership between husband and wife is supposed to meet all their sexual, financial, emotional, educational and care needs but it merely ends up placing too many demands on everyone involved. Women in particular are often caught up in conflicting priorities in terms of their security, economic dependence and excessive demands.

More often than not, children are strongly affected by their parents separating. While the disproportionate burden of divorce tends to be temporary for men, for women it often has chronic consequences and increases the risk of poverty.

We urgently need to examine the institution of marriage in detail and scrutinise it unflinchingly!

Together with international speakers, we'll explore the following critical questions:

  • Where does today's model of marriage actually come from and how did it develop?
  • Can our patriarchal society, with the man as the main breadwinner and the woman as the main family organiser, provide a protective and loving relational structure for all generations?
  • What are the social, economic, political and spiritual implications of this kind of relationship for our whole society?
  • Is it time to find new forms?
  • What kind of family models can provide a sense of belonging and security whilst also allowing space for personal development?
  • Which models can we draw inspiration from?
  • What alternative models do matriarchal societies have to offer?

In the morning, three speakers will address this topic:

  • Alexandra Schwarz-Schilling
  • Dr. Irene Mariam Tazi-Preve
  • Dr. Heide Göttner-Abendroth

The afternoon will be organised as an Open Space in which everyone is invited to get involved with their own views and suggestions and to share their thoughts on the topic of marriage, relationships and ways of living together in various discussions and workshops.

Let's work together to find ideas and approaches that can create loving, supportive relationships!

At the end of the day, it's time to unwind but we'll continue creating a world of happy relationships over a sundowner, living the #MATRIFUTURE together. Our goal is to rethink the world of tomorrow together and take the first few steps in this direction.

All speeches will be given in German!

There will be no translation in English!