When a room full of post-war male politicians tried to sneak \"women are equal but…\" into West Germany’s constitution, one woman decided that simply wouldn't fly.
In today’s episode, meet the brilliant jurist Dr. Elisabeth Selbert. From navigating the dark years of fascism to standing up against patronizing delegates, she pulled off an epic grassroots mobilization to get a simple, yet revolutionary wording into modern law: men and women are equal. No fine print, no compromises.
Tune in for the legal masterclass, stay for the stubborn brilliance, and hear why the constitution matters!
Chapters:
0:00:00 Intro & overview: equal rights
0:05:18 Elisabeth’s lifetime - from feudal system to equal rights
0:10:09 Adam Selbert sparks her political interest
0:19:16 Elisabeth gets her legal education & PhD
0:29:02 1933: Adam is put in a camp & Elisabeth becomes a lawyer
0:37:39 The misery caused by the low legal status of women
0:41:35 The Selberts staying low during WWII
0:45:57 Elisabeth’s part in the Hesse Constitution
0:49:27 West against East: How you get a “Constitution”
0:55:56 The Fathers & Mothers of the “Constitution”
1:03:30 Equal rights “in principle” & “as a citizen” ☹️
1:12:57 Elisabeth’s moment of glory: Equal Rights Period.
1:15:59 8 May 1949: West Germany has a new constitution & equality
1:24:49 Elisabeth’s life after the constitution & German reunification
1:33:42 Badass Scale & Outlook (commanding a naval fleet…)
You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod
And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com
✨ Our Mission Moment: We believe that therapy shouldn't be a luxury! 💜
Women + Health is a London charity that does fantastic work for people who can't afford therapy.
If you want to support them or care about women’s health, you can book a massage with Women + Health and help fund a woman's therapy.
Or organise a Team Event with them! Or just make a donation! ✨
💜 Look them up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk
Tags: #Democracy #Equality #WomenInHistory #EqualRights #ElisabethSelbert #Grundgesetz #TrueStories #NeverHeardOfHerPod #BadassWomenInHistory
","author_name":"The Mitford Podcast"}