Lost in thought, Auguste Fickert would often sit right here. This is the Auguste-Fickert-Denkmal. It stands as a tribute to a woman of immense courage. She was a pioneer for women’s rights. This monument is in the Türckenschanzpark. Find it near the entrance at Joseph-Kainz-Platz. The Auguste-Fickert-Denkmal is a larger-than-life statue of Auguste Fickert. Franz Seifert created it. The statue sits on a square pedestal. An inscription honors Fickert. It says she sacrificed her life to high ideals. She did it with courage and energy. The monument was unveiled on June 22, 1929.
Who was Auguste Fickert? She was a teacher. She was an Austrian feminist. Also, she was a social reformer and journalist. Fickert became known in 1889. She protested against the abolition of voting rights. These rights had been granted to tax-paying women. It was in Lower Austria, Bohemia and Styria. This happened since the constitution of 1861. From there, the first campaign for women’s suffrage began. It was for a general, equal, and direct vote.
In 1893, Fickert founded the General Austrian Women’s Association. This group represented the left wing. It was of the Austrian women’s movement at that time. This association was Auguste Fickert’s life’s work. It addressed current social issues. These included domestic service, maternity protection and prostitution. It significantly contributed to women’s political and legal equality.
In 1895, Auguste Fickert established the first legal protection center. This was for poor women in Austria. She collaborated on inquiries about women’s work. In 1899, she organized the first employment of women in the civil service. Also, she enforced the creation of female professional associations. She ensured the admission of women to university studies.
Together with Rosa Mayreder and Marie Lang, Fickert founded the monthly magazine “Documents of Women” in 1899. After its discontinuation, she became the publisher of the magazine “New Women’s Life.” Auguste Fickert’s last project was establishing the Heimhof building. It was a cooperative for creating residential buildings. These had a central kitchen and common room. Initially, it was for single, working women. It operated on a cooperative basis.
The inscription on the Auguste-Fickert-Denkmal reads: “To the champion for women’s rights Auguste Fickert 1855 – 1910. Full of courage and energy, she dedicated her life to high ideals.” Since 1926, Fickertgasse in Döbling has been named after Auguste Fickert.
Consider this statue. It reminds us of Auguste Fickert’s tireless efforts. She fought for equality. She fought for justice. Her legacy lives on. It inspires future generations. She inspires people to fight for a better world.