Concerns are mounting in the Neukölln district of Berlin regarding the increasing marginalization of women, according to the district’s integration officer, Güner Balci. Speaking to “Der Spiegel”, Balci acknowledged that Neukölln has historically faced challenges in creating a supportive environment for women, citing existing issues of domestic violence and the struggles faced by single mothers.
However, she highlighted a concerning trend of increasing gender segregation rooted in cultural and religious factors. This development, Balci believes, began with the influx of families originating from Palestine and Lebanon, starting in the 1980s. She describes the culture brought by these families as “strongly patriarchal” leading to a diminished public presence for young women, often only observed accompanying younger siblings or shopping with their mothers.
The separation of spheres between boys and girls has become increasingly pronounced, with some young men becoming involved in organized crime and gaining significant influence within the community. Balci also expressed concern about the orientation of many of Neukölln’s approximately 30 mosques, citing instances where imams have provided marital counseling for girls as young as 14 and offered acceptance of polygamous relationships. She argues that policymakers are often slow to recognize the scope of the emerging situation.
Güner Balci, who has served as Neukölln’s integration officer since 2020 and is also a writer, journalist and filmmaker, recently published a book, “Heimatland” through Berlin Verlag, further exploring these complex issues.