Media information from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Women and Health
State Secretary Bettina Altesleben today presented Birgit Rudolf from Steinbach am Glan with the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany, honouring her decades of commitment to equality, integration and equal opportunities.
"Mrs Rudolf's work is an indispensable contribution to a fairer society. She has supported, encouraged and inspired countless women. Her commitment is not only groundbreaking, but also shows how deep conviction and humanity can bring about change. Their commitment to equality, integration and equal opportunities is a role model for us all. Her work extends far beyond her professional activities - it is characterised by a deep inner conviction and humanity that can be felt in all her projects," emphasised Altesleben at the award ceremony
District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo was very proud: "Birgit Rudolf is the first women's representative at our district level and I know that the establishment of this position was hotly debated in the district council over 35 years ago. But Birgit Rudolf gradually proved the sceptics of the time wrong. Today, thanks to her initiative, her perseverance and her perseverance in drilling thick planks in a figurative sense, there is an indispensable further education programme for women, including those with a history of migration, and this extends beyond the Saarpfalz district. Her Women & Work Coordination Centre has even become a model for other districts. I am very happy for Birgit Rudolf for this well-deserved honour with the Federal Cross of Merit."
Birgit Rudolf has headed the Saarpfalz District Women's Office since 1988 and has initiated numerous pioneering projects in this role. Under her leadership, the women's office has become a central point of contact for women in the region who need quick and unbureaucratic support.
At the same time, she founded the "Frau und Gesellschaft" association in 1989, which promotes encounters, dialogue and education for women from a wide range of backgrounds. With initiatives such as the "Café Frauenzimmer", she created places for dialogue and mutual learning. Her work also laid the foundations for the Women's Culture Weeks and the "By Women for Women" calendar of events, a biannual programme that focuses equally on further education, commitment and health.
Birgit Rudolf was visibly moved during the ceremony and emphasised: "I am very happy and grateful for the recognition that this award represents. I am particularly pleased that I was nominated for this honour by my colleagues across the country. Of course, in my almost 36 years as Women's Representative in the Saarpfalz district, I have tried out many things, developed many ideas, initiated and implemented many things. This long period of time alone is enough. My colleagues in the LAG of municipal women's representatives do the same day in, day out. I am therefore all the more pleased and grateful that my many years of hard work have been honoured in this way by your proposal. Thank you for the good and intensive cooperation, which is an incredible pleasure. Thank you for the mutual support and constant backing, including from my LAG spokeswomen colleagues."
The acoustic duo Jung & Krempel provided an atmospheric musical backdrop to the event.
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is one of the highest honours awarded to citizens. It is awarded to people who have rendered outstanding services to the welfare of their fellow human beings in their professional or voluntary work.