- Walk & Talk - Making friends while walking
Walking, talking, meeting people: The concept is as simple as it gets and the response is overwhelming. All over Germany, women are coming together in organized walks to make new connections. In cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Karlsruhe, Munich, and many more.
In Frankfurt, for instance, the group "FFM Girls Walk" was founded in the spring. Initiators Vivien Eller (28) and Gabriella Kinefss (25) regularly invite women to join them for walks, for example along the Main or in the park. Apart from that, they also organize other free events like group yoga or boxing sessions. Most participants are between 25 and 35 years old, but older women are also welcome.
Friendships are as important as partnerships
So why is this initiative only for women? "It's a nice atmosphere when the dating idea is not the main focus," says Kinefss. "Moreover, there are already plenty of dating options, but fewer friendship opportunities. And I believe that friendships are just as important as partnerships," adds Eller.
In New York, the group "City Girls Who Walk" was launched in 2022. Kinefss and Eller, who met at work in a law firm, discovered a similar group in Munich that organized its first walk at the beginning of this year. "Munich Girls Talking Walking" already has over 21,000 followers on Instagram.
"Ladies Stroll" in Hamburg
In Hamburg, women also regularly meet for walks and other activities. In May, for example, 150 women gathered for a "Ladies Stroll" at the Outer Alster. All women, regardless of age, are welcome. "I think many people, especially those who have just moved here for university, struggle to find connections, especially after COVID," said organizer Ronja Schulz at the time.
Similar initiatives that are open to everyone also exist. For example, the creator of the Instagram page "lebenwiegottinfrankfurt" with over 100,000 followers recently invited everyone to a "Walk & Talk" through the Frankfurt Harbor Park. It's important that everyone feels safe and welcome, so racism, sexism, antisemitism, or any other form of discrimination or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. "It should also be a place for new friendships, not a dating event," it was stated beforehand.
The Commission, in accordance with this Regulation, is expected to adopt implementing acts that outline the application rules. This will ensure a structured approach for the "Ladies Stroll" events and other initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment where friendships can flourish without discrimination.
