Käthe Winkelmann: Bavaria's first mayor fought against resistance

Käthe Winkelmann: Bavaria's first mayor fought against resistance

A remarkable homage to Käthe Winkelmann, the first mayor of Bavaria, was celebrated in Neufahrn near Freising, and the memories of her pioneering work are just as lively and impressive. 60 years ago, she was the first woman to enter the political parquet in Bavaria and faced the challenge of leading a community that was previously dominated by men. "Ms. Mayor!", Someone called out of the audience, and the echo of this proud salutation echoed through the Gasthof Maisberger, where the citizens gathered to celebrate their legendary mayor.

Käthe Winkelmann was not just a political figure, but a true pioneer for the community. The first daycare center was opened under her leadership and brought the cosmetics manufacturer Avon to Neufahrn, which gave the town one of the district's largest employers. It transformed the rural farming village into a living urban community. "It was a spirit of optimism!", Ludwig Grundner, the head of the building authority, recalls the many construction projects that were realized under Winkelmann's management. But her path was not only shaped by success - she also had to assert herself against violent hostility.

Neufahrn's unshakable fighter

at a time when women were still rare in politics, Winkelmann was confronted with disrespectful ridicule. "Remote -controlled old woman" was only one of her insults. But her determination remained unbroken. "Fear of an elevation? Not at all!" Emphasizes her son Ingolf. Because despite the pressure that she experienced as the leader of the citizens' initiatives against the controversial Munich airport, she remained steadfast and could not be got down. Her vision was clear and she wanted to put the positive aspects of her work in the foreground, which she also succeeded - two re -elections speak a clear language.

Käthe Winkelmann's heir is not only the visible growth of Neufahrn, but also the unshakable influence that she had on the role of women in politics. Her story is an inspiring narrative of courage and determination that still reverberates today.