Why People Walk Together
In many German cities, people organize walks to make new connections. The idea is that it's about talking and getting to know each other, not dating. The response has been great, not just among women.
Walk, talk, meet people: The concept is simple and the response is great. All over Germany, women are coming together for organized walks to make new connections. In Hamburg, Cologne, Karlsruhe, Munich, and many other cities.
For example, the group "FFM Girls Walk" was founded in Frankfurt in the spring. Initiators Vivien Eller and Gabriella Kinefss regularly invite people to walk together, for example along the Main or in the park. There are also other free events like yoga or boxing. Most participants are between 25 and 35 years old, but older women also join in.
Friendships are as important as partnerships
Why is it only for women? "It's a nice atmosphere when the idea of dating isn't in the foreground," says 25-year-old Kinefss. "And there are already plenty of dating options, but fewer friendship options. And I believe that's just as important a relationship as a partnership," adds 28-year-old Eller.
In New York, the group "City Girls Who Walk" was started in 2022. Kinefss and Eller, who met at work in a law firm, learned about a group in Munich via social media 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 regularly meet for walks and other activities. For example, 150 women came together for a "Ladies Stroll" at the Outer Alster one Sunday in May. Women of any age are welcome. "I think many people, especially those who have moved here for university, struggle to find connections, especially after Corona," said organizer Ronja Schulz at the time.
There are also similar events that are open to everyone. For example, the creator of the Instagram page "lebenwiegottinfrankfurt" with over 100,000 followers recently invited people to a "Walk & Talk" through the Frankfurt Harbor Park. It's important that everyone feels safe and welcome. Therefore, racism, sexism, antisemitism, or other forms of discrimination or inappropriate behavior are not tolerated. "It should also be a place for new friendships, not a dating event."
The Regulation needs specific rules for application. To ensure the success of the walks, the Commission needs to adopt implementing acts. For instance, these acts could outline the guidelines for organizing safe and inclusive walks, ensuring a friendly environment for new friendships to blossom, without the pressure of dating.
