The demonisation of elderly women

We are familiar with witches from children’s books, puppet theatres and radio plays – often depicted as old women, sometimes ‘good’, sometimes ‘wicked’. Since the 20th century, the figure of the ‘witch’ has also evolved into a symbol of feminist self-empowerment. However, the historical background – the witch hunts of the early modern period – remains a controversial field, not least because of persistent gaps in research.

In this DOL & SOL Salon, two experts will shed light on the various layers of the witch hunts within their historical contexts. Our guests are the historian Prof. Dr. Claudia Opitz-Belakhal and Ursula Helg, director of the Anna Göldi Museum. In conversation with the filmmaker Getrud Pinkus, they explore the question of how the persecution of people suspected of being ‘witches’ came about, and why women – particularly elderly or single women – were disproportionately demonised in the process.

Afterwards, the audience is invited to join in the discussion and – in the spirit of the old ‘witches’ – to round off the evening with a drink. DOL & SOL – Dancing Old Ladies & Singing Old Ladies is a network of feminists, old and diverse – visible and audible. You’re warmly invited to join us. If you have any questions or ideas, please get in touch at info@dol-sol.ch.