Projects and events
Men, where are you?
International Men’s Day on 19 November at the Schönherrfabrik
on 19 November at Schauplatz Eisenbahn
Workshops for school pupils, a specialist conference for professionals and a public evening event
What does it mean to be a boy or a man today? How do we deal with emotions and conflicts? And how can men actively support equality? Chemnitz will be exploring these questions on 19 November 2026 to mark International Men’s Day. Under the slogans ‘Boys, where are you?’ and ‘Men, where are you?’, visitors can look forward to a varied programme at the Schönherrfabrik.
The day kicks off from 8.30 am to 11.30 am with an event for pupils in Years 4 to 6. In workshops on perceptions of masculinity, conflict resolution and qigong, the children will explore themes of strength, emotions and body awareness.
From 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm, the specialist conference ‘Men, where are you?’ is aimed at professionals working with boys and men. Expert presentations will shed light on men’s experiences of violence, as well as trans*, inter* and non-binary perspectives in work with boys. From 12.30 pm, a get-together with a lunch buffet will provide an opportunity for discussion.
The public evening event begins at 5 pm. The workshop ‘Men as Allies for Equality and Equal Opportunities – Male Allyship & Critical Masculinity’, led by Thomas Qiu Hönel from the LAG for Boys’ and Men’s Work, will explore how men can take responsibility and actively help shape equality.
The event is organised by the City of Chemnitz in cooperation with the Chemnitz City Mission and the Working Group on Boys’ Issues. It provides a space for discussion, new perspectives and a joint exploration of role models and coexistence on an equal footing.
Background
International Men’s Day is celebrated worldwide on 19 November and focuses on men’s health, equality and appreciation. Unlike the traditional ‘Men’s Day’ on Ascension Day, this is not about celebrations but about social issues affecting men and families – much like International Women’s Day on 8 March.
Venue:
Schönherrfabrik Chemnitz, former max louis restaurant
Schönherrstraße 8
09113 Chemnitz
Registration:
Registration is required for the school group event and the symposium. Binding registration for the symposium must be made by 5 November 2026:
Franziska Herold, Equal Opportunities Officer for the City of Chemnitz
Email:Gleichstellungsstelle(at)stadt-chemnitz.de
Telephone: 0371 488-1070
No registration is required for the public evening event.