Role of Women in Hitler's Times

Gertrud Scholtz-Klink
This tough looking woman, her name is ‘Gertrud Scholtz-Klink’, who was appointed as the leader of Nazi women’s league in 1933. Her job was to increase the awareness that women should serve men as their superior. For example, in one of her speeches, she stated, "the mission of woman is to minister in the home and in her profession to the needs of life from the first to last moment of man's existence." This clearly shows her motivation to keep the women at their homes, and to make sure that they are supporting their husbands.
First slide
In the beginning of 1933, which is shortly after when Hitler came to power, he made a ‘Law for the Encouragement of Marriage’ It was the policy for the government to provide all newly married couples a loan of 1000 marks. All women were expected to have 4 children by the age of 35. If this was not followed, she would have to fill up the number of children to 4, by racially pure Aryn German men. After four children have been produced, she would have to send her husband free to ferment other German women. This showed that the Nazis viewed that the only job of the women was to produce as many children as possible in order to grow its empire.
Next slide
For example, this is a propaganda produced by Nazi party, promoting ‘Law for the Encouragement of Marriage’ which I’ve just talked about. The parents produced four children. The husband is holding the family together, and the mother is taking care of the baby. The husband and the boys have tough looks on their faces, representing that the males should be manly. On the other hand, the mother and the daughter and smiling, representing that the women should make the household enjoyable for the family.
Second slide
Hitler’s motivation towards producing children was proved when Hitler stated ‘the three Ks’ Kinder, Kirche und Kuche. Which means Children, church and cooking. Just like this, many women in 1930s were forced to stay at home. As Hitler came into power, their daily routines were controlled. Many women were dismissed from their jobs such as doctors, civil servants, lawyers and teachers which were professional jobs. The Nazi government also tried to stop women from following fashion trends. For example, hair had to be neat –either in a bun or in plaits. They were not to be dyed or permed. Women with make-ups and trousers were not seen as good Nazis. Slimming and diet were discouraged, because it would affect raising of the children. It seemed that the only thing that Nazi government encouraged to women was to produce as many children as possible.

Third slide
There were a number of ways in which the Nazi government encouraged the women. For example, every 12th August, which was Hitler’s birthday, the woman who had the most children was awarded with Motherhood Cross. The government also set up a place called, ‘Lebensborn’, homes for unmarried mothers. The purpose of this place, was to enable those women to go there and be introduced to Aryn SS men (Hitler’s bodyguards), and become pregnant.
It seemed that many women were back to their traditional roles, breeding children and taking care of their homes and their families.