Cologne, Germany – October 21, 2026 – After an influential half-century shaping feminist discourse and societal change in Germany, the renowned magazine "Emma" is set to publish its final issue on December 8, 2026. The announcement was made by its founder and long-standing editor-in-chief, Alice Schwarzer, 83, to the German Press Agency (dpa) in Cologne, marking the end of an extraordinary journalistic and activist chapter.
Schwarzer, a towering figure in German feminism, founded the magazine in January 1977 with a collective of like-minded women. For decades, "Emma" served as a critical voice, challenging patriarchal structures and advocating fiercely for women’s rights in an evolving society. Its closure, which Schwarzer insists is not due to financial difficulties, signifies a profound moment for the German media landscape and the feminist movement.
The End of an Era: 50 Years of "Emma"
The news of "Emma"’s impending cessation resonated deeply across Germany. Since its inception, the magazine has been synonymous with the second wave of feminism in the country, providing a platform for critical debate, investigative journalism, and a powerful voice for women who, as Schwarzer often lamented, were largely absent or misrepresented in mainstream media.
A Vision Realized: The Founding of "Emma"
Alice Schwarzer’s motivation to establish "Emma" in 1977 stemmed from a deep-seated conviction that women needed their own independent media outlet. At the time, German media, much like in many Western nations, was overwhelmingly dominated by men, both in leadership roles and in the narratives it presented. Women’s issues were often marginalized, trivialized, or ignored altogether. Schwarzer, already a prominent activist known for her role in the "Wir haben abgetrieben!" (We had abortions!) campaign in the early 1970s, envisioned "Emma" as a direct counter-narrative – a space where women could speak for themselves, analyze their realities, and strategize for change.
The magazine’s name itself, "Emma," was carefully chosen to be approachable, relatable, and distinctly female, a stark contrast to the often academic or polemical tone of other feminist publications of the era. From its very first issue, "Emma" tackled taboo subjects head-on, from violence against women and sexual harassment to reproductive rights and gender equality in the workplace and political sphere. It quickly garnered a dedicated readership, becoming a significant cultural and political force.
Beyond Economics: The Rationale for Closure
In her announcement, Alice Schwarzer was emphatic that the decision to close "Emma" was not driven by economic necessity. Despite a natural decline in circulation over the decades, a common trend for many print publications, Schwarzer stated that the magazine’s income continued to cover its expenditures. "No, we are leaving because we believe: it’s enough," she declared, a statement pregnant with a sense of completion and perhaps a recognition of changing times.
This assertion suggests a deliberate choice, rather than a forced capitulation. It hints at the idea that "Emma," having fulfilled its foundational mission and sustained its presence for five decades, has reached a natural conclusion. For Schwarzer, who has been at the helm for the entirety of its existence, it may represent a personal and professional decision to step away from the demanding role of leading such a high-profile publication, confident in the legacy it leaves behind. The phrase "Es reicht" ("It’s enough") could imply a feeling that the core battles have been fought, the torch passed, or simply that the time for this particular format of feminist advocacy has run its course under her leadership.
A Legacy of Impact: "Emma"’s Defining Campaigns
Over its 50-year run, "Emma" was not merely a magazine; it was a movement. Its pages chronicled, analyzed, and actively participated in the most significant feminist debates and social transformations in post-war Germany.
Pioneering Advocacy for Women’s Rights
"Emma" consistently championed groundbreaking issues, often years ahead of mainstream media. Key themes that defined its advocacy included:
- Violence Against Women: The magazine was instrumental in bringing issues like domestic violence, rape, and sexual harassment into public discourse. It campaigned tirelessly for the establishment of women’s shelters (Frauenhäuser) and for stronger legal protections for victims, playing a crucial role in raising awareness and destigmatizing these experiences.
- Sexual Self-Determination and Reproductive Rights: "Emma" was a staunch advocate for a woman’s right to choose, actively engaging in the ongoing debates surrounding Germany’s abortion laws (Paragraph 218). It consistently argued for women’s autonomy over their bodies and sexual lives, challenging traditional moral and religious doctrines. The magazine also notably led significant anti-pornography campaigns, arguing that pornography objectified women and contributed to their sexual exploitation and violence against them.
- Equality in Politics and Society: From equal pay and representation in leadership roles to dismantling everyday sexism and gender stereotypes, "Emma" pushed for fundamental societal shifts. It highlighted the systemic barriers women faced in education, careers, and political participation, advocating for policies that would ensure genuine equality. The magazine frequently published investigative pieces exposing discrimination and advocating for affirmative action and quotas to address imbalances.
- Global Feminism: While rooted in Germany, "Emma" also broadened its scope to international feminist issues, shedding light on the struggles of women worldwide, from female genital mutilation to forced marriages and women’s rights in conflict zones. This global perspective helped to contextualize German feminist struggles within a larger human rights framework.
Shaping Public Discourse
"Emma"’s influence extended far beyond its readership. Its often provocative headlines, uncompromising stance, and in-depth analyses forced discussions into the mainstream. Alice Schwarzer herself became a household name, a figure both revered and reviled, embodying the confrontational spirit of the magazine. Through interviews, debates, and public appearances, she brought "Emma"’s agenda to a wider audience, challenging politicians, cultural figures, and the general public to confront gender inequality.
The magazine’s investigative journalism often led to public outrage and, in some cases, tangible change. It gave a voice to countless women who felt unheard and provided a framework for understanding their personal experiences as part of a larger systemic problem. For many women in Germany, receiving an issue of "Emma" was not just reading a magazine; it was an act of solidarity, a source of empowerment, and a guide for navigating a world still largely shaped by patriarchal norms.
Navigating Controversy: "Emma" in Later Years
While "Emma" built its reputation on fearlessly tackling difficult subjects, its later years were increasingly marked by internal and external controversies, reflecting the evolving and sometimes fractured landscape of contemporary feminism.
The Ukraine War Stance
One of the most significant points of contention arose following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Alice Schwarzer, often in collaboration with Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent left-wing politician and co-founder of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party, became a vocal proponent of immediate peace negotiations with Russia. They co-authored and signed open letters, most notably the "Manifest für Frieden" (Manifest for Peace), which called for an end to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine and urged diplomatic solutions.
This stance drew considerable criticism from various quarters. Critics argued that Schwarzer and Wagenknecht’s position disproportionately placed the onus on Ukraine and its Western allies to de-escalate, effectively ignoring Russia’s role as the aggressor. They were accused of failing to adequately acknowledge Ukraine’s right to self-defense and its sovereignty, and of echoing narratives that inadvertently benefited Russian propaganda. For many, particularly within younger feminist circles, this perspective seemed to diverge sharply from the magazine’s historical commitment to supporting the oppressed against aggression, regardless of gender. The debate highlighted a generational and ideological rift within the broader German peace and feminist movements regarding international conflicts and geopolitical responsibilities.
Debates on Trans Identity
Another major area of controversy surrounding "Emma" in recent years has been its positions on trans identity and rights. The magazine published articles and editorials that were perceived by many trans activists and their allies as trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) viewpoints. These included questioning the concept of gender self-determination, emphasizing biological sex over gender identity, and expressing concerns about the implications of trans women’s inclusion in women’s spaces and sports.
These positions sparked intense debate and condemnation, particularly from younger feminists and LGBTQ+ advocates who argued that "Emma"’s stance was discriminatory and outdated. Critics accused the magazine of failing to evolve with contemporary understandings of gender and identity, and of alienating a significant segment of the feminist movement. The controversy underscored the complex and sometimes fraught discussions within feminism itself about intersectionality, identity politics, and the definition of "woman" in the 21st century. For a magazine historically dedicated to liberation, its stance on trans issues became a deeply divisive point, leading to accusations of exclusion and a departure from its foundational principles by some.
The Future of a Feminist Legacy
The closure of "Emma" inevitably prompts reflection on its enduring legacy and the future of feminist activism in Germany and beyond. While the physical magazine will cease to exist, its impact is undeniable and its history will be meticulously preserved.
Preserving History: The Marbach Archive
A significant aspect of the closure plan is the announcement that the complete archive of "Emma" magazine will be transferred to the German Literature Archive Marbach (Deutsches Literaturarchiv Marbach). This institution is one of the most important literary archives in the world, renowned for preserving, researching, and presenting the cultural heritage of German literature.
The integration of "Emma"’s archive into Marbach underscores its historical and cultural significance. It means that future generations of researchers, academics, and the public will have access to the full breadth of the magazine’s work – its articles, campaigns, correspondence, and editorial decisions. This will allow for in-depth studies of German feminism, social history, media evolution, and the specific role "Emma" played in these developments. The archive will serve as a vital resource for understanding the struggles, triumphs, and internal debates that shaped women’s rights in Germany over five decades. This commitment to preservation ensures that "Emma"’s voice, even in print, will continue to inform and inspire.
Reflections on a Movement
The announcement of "Emma"’s closure marks not just the end of a publication, but potentially the end of an era dominated by a particular style of feminist leadership and discourse. For many who grew up with "Emma," its cessation will be met with nostalgia and a sense of loss for a guiding voice. For others, particularly younger activists, it might be seen as a natural progression, making space for new forms of feminist media and activism that better reflect contemporary challenges and diverse perspectives.
Alice Schwarzer’s "it’s enough" statement could be interpreted in multiple ways: perhaps a belief that the foundational work of the second wave has been largely accomplished, or that the battles of today require different strategies and different voices. The digital age has transformed how feminist messages are disseminated, with social media platforms and online publications offering immediate, diverse, and often decentralized avenues for activism. The singular, authoritative voice of a print magazine, even one as powerful as "Emma," may no longer hold the same monopoly on feminist thought as it once did.
Implications for German Feminism
The closure of "Emma" carries significant implications for the future trajectory of feminism in Germany.
Firstly, it leaves a void in the landscape of traditional print feminist media. While other feminist publications and online platforms exist, none have commanded the same historical authority, mainstream recognition, or direct influence on public policy as "Emma." This might necessitate a re-evaluation of how feminist issues are framed and disseminated to a broader public, potentially shifting further towards digital and decentralized channels.
Secondly, it prompts a crucial examination of the legacy of second-wave feminism and its evolution. "Emma" represented a powerful, often uncompromising, strand of feminism that achieved significant victories but also faced criticism for its perceived lack of intersectionality in later years. Its departure may symbolize a clearer transition towards a more diverse and intersectional feminist movement in Germany, one that foregrounds the experiences of marginalized groups, including trans women, women of color, and queer women, with greater emphasis.
Thirdly, Alice Schwarzer’s personal withdrawal from the editorial helm of "Emma" signifies the potential for new leadership and new narratives. While her influence will undoubtedly persist, the formal end of her direct editorial platform opens avenues for emerging feminist voices to shape the discourse, free from the shadow of a single, dominant figure. This could lead to a revitalization of feminist debate, allowing for more nuanced discussions on topics like gender identity, climate feminism, and global justice, which have gained prominence in recent years.
Ultimately, the end of "Emma" is not merely a journalistic event but a cultural milestone. It invites a national conversation about how far Germany has come in terms of gender equality, what battles still remain, and how the feminist movement will continue to adapt and fight for a more just and equitable future. The legacy of "Emma" will undoubtedly endure, not just in the archives of Marbach, but in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights that it so profoundly shaped for half a century.
