A pioneering female jurist who served on Germany's highest court, shaping the country's legal landscape and advocating for women's rights.
Erna Scheffler, a pioneering German senior judge, is renowned for being one of the first female lawyers to practice law in Germany during the tumultuous era of Nazi rule. Born in 1893, Scheffler defied the odds, achieving remarkable milestones in a male-dominated profession, despite facing formidable obstacles.
Scheffler was born Erna Friedenthal on September 21, 1893, in Wroclaw, Poland (then part of Germany). She pursued higher education, attending girls' schools in Legnica and Wroclaw, and later studying law at Heidelberg University, Wroclaw, Munich, and Berlin. In 1914, she earned her doctorate from Wroclaw University, a remarkable feat for a woman during that time.
Initially, women were not permitted to take the state legal exams, forcing Scheffler to work in social welfare and as an assistant at a law practice. However, after the law changed in 1921, she became a clerk in 1922 and later graduated as a full lawyer in 1925, marking a significant milestone in her career.
During the Nazi regime, Scheffler's life took a drastic turn. In 1933, she was declared "non-Aryan" and received an employment ban, retroactively effective from March 1, 1933. She was forced to live off a meager pension. Her second marriage to George Scheffler was denied in 1934 due to her "half-Jewish" status. Undeterred, she worked as an accountant and distributed food during the war, exemplifying her resilience in the face of adversity.
From January 1945 until the end of the war, Scheffler went into hiding in a small garden house outside Berlin, evading persecution and potential catastrophe. Her remarkable survival is a testament to her courage and determination.
After the war, Scheffler's contributions to the legal profession and her tenacity in the face of oppression solidified her place in history. Her story serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to pursue careers in law, and her perseverance is a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Erna Scheffler's legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing against discrimination and fighting for human rights.
77 Years Old
A renowned soprano and actress, celebrated for her powerful voice and versatility in opera, concert, and musical theater performances. She has performed with leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide.
83 Years Old
A German educator and politician who served as Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development from 1998 to 2009, known for her humanitarian work and efforts to reduce global poverty.
