#Beboldforchange. This is the motto of this year’s International Women’s Day. The motto itself suggests that change is not something which can be made easily. Are we the ones who boldly need to make the change? Or do we just have to boldly accept changes? What does making bold changes entail?

When I take a look around the world on “International Women’s Day” I am filled with horror.  Millions of my fellow women are fighting for sheer survival. Fighting for a life free from permanent violence, free from fear of their male surroundings. Fighting for an independent existence on a par with the male part of the population. And they are doing all this without much real hope of immediate success.

Women’s Day isn’t much of a thing in Germany. This is a pity considering that the holiday is the perfect occasion to highlight how far the country has come – and what still needs to change in terms of gender equality.

When I heard about the theme for Women’s Day this year, ‘Be bold for change,’ I thought, ‘Oh, wow that’s so cool.’ Actually, that’s my general reaction to most things. But then I gave it more thought, especially about how change has affected my life, world politics and just about everything.

From boxes of chocolate to diamond jewelry, Valentine’s Day has become a global money-maker, but the day for lovebirds goes way back. Here are 7 unusual facts tied to the celebration of love.

Angela Merkel’s decision to again be a candidate for German chancellor presents many new opportunities, says DW’s Kay-Alexander Scholz. She could be the right person to provide an answer to the rising tide of populism.

They represent their region and local agriculture. From the wine and beer sectors to strawberries and sausage, Germany crowns a large collection of unusual Queens.