For 100 years, International Women’s Day on March 8 has drawn attention to women’s rights and gender equality. Singer Vanessa Mai (30) also raises her voice. “I believe that there is still a long way to go to absolute equality,” explains the 30-year-old. “Fortunately, there are women who stand up and resist.” In an interview, the 30-year-old explains which women particularly inspire the singer and why she supports the “StandUp” initiative by L’Oréal Paris.
Vanessa Mai: Because – unfortunately – there are still great injustices. Be it the still current gender pay gap, unfortunately still outdated role models that are primarily disadvantageous for women, poverty among women in old age, violence against women, male dominance in executive floors and, and, and… I see a really great development , especially in recent years, but I also believe that there is still a long way to go to absolute equality.
May: Don’t stop, keep standing for positive change and equality. If you compare the world today with that of 60 – 70 years ago, it is very motivating to see how the role model has already changed towards more equality. But we are not finished yet and society must continue to work on this over the next few years and decades.
May: Absolutely. Many women from different areas inspire me. In politics, for example, an Angela Merkel, in business, for example, a Verena Pausder, and there is also one in show business. There are so many strong women who have made a difference and achieved something. I find great inspiration there.
May: Very difficult question. My husband Andreas should actually say that better, but I would describe myself as quite stubborn. In a positive, maybe sometimes in a negative way (laughs). But when I set my mind to something, I want to see it through.
May: Personally, I haven’t seen that so far – or I haven’t noticed it (yet). But in the show industry itself, it’s no secret that women are disadvantaged. Just think of the Hollywood Gender Pay Gap! But luckily there are women who stand up and oppose it.
May: I am constantly in contact with the team at L’Oréal Paris Germany about joint campaigns and approaches to draw attention to the issue of “public harassment”. We have a lot of great ideas in the pipeline and I never tire of drawing attention to them through my channels. I find it very impressive that a company like L’Oréal is putting such an important program together.
Mai: I think that – unfortunately – almost every woman has experienced this in some way. I had situations too. Sometimes I only realize that in hindsight. In any case, the initiative spoke to me directly and I am a great advocate.
Mai: I don’t see any real criticism at all – or rather, I ignore it or it affects me so little that I don’t notice it. (laughs) Because I think that in 2023, women will be allowed to present themselves however they want.
May: It still takes the courage to address things and the tenacity not to let up. But I’m 100 percent sure that we can do it.
