"My history has constantly pushed me towards accountability, a journey that remains uncompleted"

In the heart of Gütersloh, the NRW Women's Place was officially opened on August 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in recognising the life and work of Sabine Gramlich. The event was filled with emotional moments, musical interpretations, and historical retrospectives, all paying tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to peace, justice, and community service.

Sabine Gramlich, a resident of Gütersloh since 1955, was not a passive observer in her community activities. Her commitment to peace and justice was evident in her involvement with numerous organisations, including the refugee council, church women's groups, the psychiatry department of the LWL clinic, Amnesty International, the peace movement, and even as an initiator of the 'Political Night Prayer.'

The idea for the Sabine Gramlich Memorial in Gütersloh was initiated by Inge Trame, Julia Kuklik, and Eckhard Müller. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia funded the project, which aims to make the lives of historically significant women like Sabine Gramlich visible. City archivist Julia Kuklik highlighted milestones in Sabine's life during the event.

The opening ceremony was accompanied by musical moments, with Dagmar C. Weinert providing interpretations of peace-related poems and songs. One of the highlights was the performance of "Boundaries" by Dota Kehr, a song with lyrics that resonated with Sabine's spirit: "I'm checking out, I want a passport where it just says 'Earth resident'."

Sabine's sons, Peter and Rainer, were also present at the event. They expressed their gratitude to the supporters who co-negotiated, co-sat, and co-decided with their mother, acknowledging that she could not handle all her tasks alone. Inge Trame emphasised that Sabine's commitment to peace and justice remains in the cityscape and memory.

One of Sabine's most notable actions was her participation in street blockades at over seventy years old. Her statement, "History has challenged me to take responsibility, and this is never finished," encapsulates her dedication to making a difference.

The opening of the Women's Place NRW in Gütersloh was not just a remembrance of Sabine Gramlich, but a celebration of her life and the impact she had on her community. The project, initiated by the Women's Council NRW, serves as a testament to Sabine's legacy and the importance of recognising the contributions of women in shaping history.

"My history has constantly pushed me towards accountability, a journey that remains uncompleted"