Natalia Wörner is not only an actress, but also an activist. “I see it as an obligation to get involved.”
Actor Natalia Wörner (54) has been passionately campaigning for women’s rights for many years. Her documentary “A Women’s Story” was only recently released, in which she meets strong, self-confident women. The 54-year-old is also campaigning for the current International Anti-Street Harassment Week (April 3-9), which aims to draw attention to harassment in public, and supports, among other things, the “StandUp” initiative of L’Oréal Paris.
“I almost see it as an obligation to stand up for issues that are close to your heart,” explains the actress in an interview and reveals how formative her childhood was for her struggle today.
You grew up in a four-generation household among women. How much has that shaped you in your fight for women’s rights and equality today?
Natalia Wörner: I think that the depth of the imprint of growing up like that has unfolded completely over the years. Growing up in a four-generation household with no gender hierarchies defined my very own DNA. In our family, all authority rested with the women, my sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. From the beginning, I was shown a rather non-ideologically shaped emancipation and thus gifted it. I see it almost as an obligation to support issues that are close to your heart and that you are passionate about. My topic here is and will remain women: equality, equality, social tolerance and solidarity.
What role did your father play in your upbringing?
Wörner: My father wasn’t part of our everyday life, we spent weekends and holidays with him. However, I don’t want to underestimate his influence, in artistic areas there was an intensive exchange with him early on.
Which women are your big role models to this day?
Wörner: It’s a great gift for me to be able to produce my own documentary “A Women’s Story” and one of the things I wanted to do was show role models. Women who come from very different walks of life and careers and who go their own way. The human rights activist Düzen Tekkal, to name just one example, is certainly a role model and is very approachable and authentic. But listening to Andie MacDowell talk about her mother or Helen Mirren outlining the beginnings of her career is no less interesting. Ultimately, it’s about providing impetus and encouraging women to go their own way.
What makes a strong woman for you?
Wörner: I have trouble with the term “strong woman” per se. What is the opposite? A weak woman? I would like us to stop censoring ourselves without having to sugarcoat or chase a narrative that isn’t our own in any way. Being authentic and also developing a generosity that is also bestowed on other people is certainly a big step in one’s own strength.
How do you currently assess the generation of young women?
Wörner: I think the naturalness with which young women take up and fill the space that is theirs is wonderful. That is one of my main concerns: to encourage young women to go their own way.
Do you also have moments when you doubt yourself and what do you do about it?
Wörner: Of course I have moments of doubt, of stumbling, of questioning and I try to face it as transparently as possible. I don’t always have the right answers – you learn to endure and appreciate that in the course of life. I think I’m least patient with myself.
The International Anti-Street Harassment Week against harassment in public is currently underway. They are involved in many social projects. Which ones are particularly important to you at the moment?
Wörner: I am currently using the space and time of the International Anti-Street Harassment Week together with L’Oréal Paris to position myself with other groups, activists and initiatives worldwide. Together we speak out against catcalling, sexist comments, stalking or physical abuse. These are global problems that are part of everyday life, especially for women. The “StandUp – against harassment in public” initiative is a great opportunity to first receive theoretical instructions so that you can later put them into practice. Anyone who then finds himself in a real situation and observes a border crossing can make a meaningful de-escalating contribution to help the women affected. The principle is simple and applicable everywhere. It is only important that the intervening person does not expose themselves to any danger.
My entire socio-political commitment has naturally developed in a sequential manner. I experienced the tsunami in 2004 and founded my own association based on this event. This developed into my commitment to Kinderothife, which I have been supporting for 15 years now. In 2020 I was a co-initiator of #sicherheim, an initiative dedicated to domestic violence. The experience that one’s own four walls are in need of protection and vulnerable is a burning issue in times of Corona.
In addition to all these engagements, you also work as a successful actress. Many working mothers constantly struggle with a guilty conscience. Do you know these moments?
Wörner: Yes, especially since as an actress I’m away in blocks, shooting usually takes five to six weeks, that can break a mother’s heart. Since my son is older now, the issues are different and these times are still not easy for me. It is part of our everyday life to integrate these life rhythms and they remain a challenge.
What values do you have and do you want to pass on to your son?
Wörner: I can see that my son has everything he needs to live in and shape a world that understands the coexistence of all genders on an equal footing.