Berlin: Rita Sssmuth, a prominent German feminist, women's rights activist, and influential politician during the Helmut Kohl era, has died at the age of 88. The announcement of her passing was made by the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, and confirmed by a spokeswoman from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
According to Ghana News Agency, Sssmuth was a member of the Bundestag from 1987 to 2002, serving as its president from 1988 to 1998. Her tenure was marked by a strong commitment to achieving equal participation for women in politics, work, and society. Current Bundestag President Julia Kl¶ckner expressed her sorrow, stating she was 'deeply moved' by the news and honored Sssmuth as an exceptional political figure.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz also paid tribute, recognizing Sssmuth as a pioneering role model for equality and women's political influence. Sssmuth's political journey began when she was appointed by then-Chancellor Kohl in 1985 to succeed Heiner Geissler as minister for youth, family, and health. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, she quickly gained respect and high popularity ratings, earning her the nickname 'Lovely Rita.'
Sssmuth was born on February 17, 1937, in Wuppertal and began her career in academia as a professor of educational sciences. Her political career took off when she won the direct mandate in the G¶ttingen constituency in 1987, a feat she repeated in subsequent elections. Known for her modern views on family and women, Sssmuth often clashed with conservative elements within the CDU, especially over issues like family policy and abortion law reform.
In 1988, Sssmuth became the second female president of the Bundestag, steering it through Germany's reunification and the move from Bonn to Berlin. Even after leaving politics in 2002, she remained an active advocate for women's rights, pushing for a women's quota in the CDU and striving for gender parity in the Bundestag.