I never wanted to be known just as a tennis player. I wanted to show that a woman can be strong, ambitious and successful, while remaining true to herself. Sport is my field of battle, but also my place of freedom.

(Serena Wiliams)

Today we celebrate women’s strength, wisdom and inexhaustible creativity. International Women’s Day reminds us of the courage of generations who fought for equality and who, with their courage, have charged us to build a society in which the voice of every woman is heard and respected.

Culture and sports are areas in which women leave an indelible mark with talent, passion and dedication, thus enriching our everyday lives and inspiring new generations. Women’s energy drives change, and their achievements testify that equality should not only be an ideal, but a reality that we build together.

The Federal Minister of Culture and Sports sends her sincere congratulations to all women on International Women’s Day. May this day be a reminder of your value and contribution, but also an encouragement to continue creating a space in which every woman feels free, safe and valued!

History is full of women who had to create in silence, without recognition. But their every word, their every thought, was a cornerstone of culture. Today, when we talk about equality, we talk about the right for their voices to be heard as strongly as men’s.

(Virginia Woolf)