Bremen's first women's ice café: Sumeja's dream or exclusion?

Bremen's first women's ice café: Sumeja's dream or exclusion?

Gröpelingen, Bremen, Deutschland - Bremen - A new trend has established itself in the Bremen catering scene that quickly ensures conversation. At the age of 18, Sumeja Zumberi realized her dream and opened a café. But the special thing about her "Baresha": men are not welcome here. This café, which is the first "women's ice café" in Bremen, is located in the multicultural district of Gröpelingen, where many residents have a migration background.

The idea for a protected space for women came after observing that men in the area in the area can often be found mostly. Since the opening six weeks ago, the concept has been controversial on social media - while it receives positive feedback from her customers, there is also a lot of criticism. "I am not put off by it," she says, and remains convinced that many women feel more comfortable in their café than elsewhere.

The retreat for women

"Women who have had bad experiences in everyday life will find a safe place for me," explains Zumberi. The café offers space for around 30 women and is often visited, especially by mothers who come with their children or from women who need a break from everyday stress. Men are allowed to buy an ice cream at the counter, but are not desirable to stay longer.

The support of her family, who has lived in Germany for 30 years, plays an important role for the young entrepreneur. Her father takes care of the financial issues while her mother works in the café. Zumberi's family has their roots in Kosovo and thus brings an intercultural perspective into the café.

"I only got positive feedback", emphasizes Zumberi and continues: "The women come here to chat undisturbed and to exchange ideas. They feel comfortable." A satisfied customer describes it as follows: "Here I can relax without being disturbed by men."

controversy around the offer

Nevertheless, there is also a lot of resistance to the concept of "Baresha". Opinions on social media are divided and many users express themselves critically. "This is the exclusion of the opposite sex," notes a Facebook user. Others support the idea and speak of a "safe space" for women, a term that describes places in which people are protected from discrimination.

Some women express concerns about gender separation in public. One commented: "We live in a society in which men and women are welcome to spend time together. I find this separation as a step backwards." Another user asks why it is considered an hostility to men when women just want to be among themselves.

Women's rights activist Seyran Ates has a clear opinion on the development and comments. "It is dramatic that this movement is growing," she says, speaks of a stronger current below Orthodox and traditional Muslims who do not question the patriarchy.

The lines of discussion about the café show how much the different views of women's rooms vary. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga in Bremen sees no similar concept in the region, but emphasizes that such spaces for women can make sense for exchange in a migrant society.

It remains exciting to observe how public opinion about such cafés will develop and whether similar concepts in other cities could possibly establish themselves. Information about the now heated debate about the concept can also be found here .