Sidonie Werner's 161st Birthday

Happy 161st birthday to German-Jewish educator, feminist, and activist Sidonie Werner. Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Lihie Jacob, honors her life and legacy as a champion for women's rights and youth social programs.  

Sidonie Werner was born in Poznań, Poland, on this day in 1860. After completing a women’s teacher seminar and attending lessons at a Jewish elementary school, she entered the Hamburg school system, where she remained a teacher until she retired.  

In 1893, Werner’s public work as a gender rights activist began in earnest when she co-founded the Israelite-Humanitarian Women’s Association (IHWA). She also co-founded the Jewish Women’s Association in 1904, an organization she later led as chairwoman. In 1908, she became the leader of the IHWA, where she successfully instituted programs for women and children, such as providing professional training for women to make a living outside of domestic work. 

Throughout the early 1910s, Werner strengthened her efforts by serving leadership roles in a number of other organizations including the City Federation of Hamburg Women's Association, the Central Welfare Office of German Jews, and the Hamburg Jewish School Association, where she served as the only woman on the board. In 1929, Werner assembled the World Conference of Jewish Women in Hamburg, which united 200 representatives from 14 countries and increased international solidarity among Jewish women. 

Happy birthday, Sidonie Werner!

Guest Artist Q&A with Lihie Jacob

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Lihie Jacob. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A. This was a fantastic journey for me. I read anything I could find about Sidonie, and the more I delved into her life’s work, the more I understood just how much impact she had on my own communities. My family moved to Frankfurt a.M. from Israel when I was young. I soon learned a major part of the “Jüdischer Frauenbund”—which Sidonie helped found—operated right in the neighborhood I grew up in. As a Jewish woman and a feminist, I am really thankful to Sidonie and the pioneering women who set in motion so many important political changes and philantropic foundations. 

Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle?

A. I knew I needed to do extensive visual research and understand the nuances of class, fashion, Jewish attire etc. in the years in which Sidonie lived. I wanted to convey both her character as well as the breadth of activism in which she was involved. I hope I did her justice in this humble way. 

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A.  I decided to adopt the linked arm stance, often seen in marches and demonstrations, as a way to show the solidarity and determination that Sidonie radiated.  

Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A.  I hope they are inspired to read about Sidonie’s life and remember that what she started needs to be continued. It’s a great way to honor her and the principles she stood for.