A new café in Bremen’s multicultural district of Gröpelingen is attracting attention with its women-only policy, advertising itself as a safe space for females to relax away from men.
Café Baresha opened a month ago and only admits women and children.
Gröpelingen, known for its high immigrant population, particularly from Turkey and the Maghreb, is one of Bremen’s most culturally diverse areas.
In an article covering the new establishment, Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung notes the district’s cafes and public spaces are frequently crowded with men, creating a demand for alternative spaces catering specifically to women.
“I think that women definitely feel more comfortable here than in mixed cafés,” Sumeja Zumberi, the 18-year-old owner of the café told the newspaper. “They see it as a place of retreat.”
The newspaper notes that the establishment has been well-received in the community, with customers appreciating the chance to meet and relax without being hassled or made to feel uncomfortable in the usual male-dominated atmosphere of other local cafés.
“There are many male-dominated spaces in Gröpelingen, and offers like this are very important,” said one patron during a visit. Another added, “I feel more comfortable and undisturbed here. It’s nice to have a place just for women.”
“Many people with a history of immigration live in Gröpelingen,” said Nathalie Rübsteck, managing director of the hospitality association Dehoga Bremen. “I think it’s very good that the women there have a space for themselves.”
Zumberi, herself, is an Albanian originating from Kosovo who came to Germany with her family. She explained that women-only establishments are quite common back home.
“In our home country, it’s actually quite normal that there are women’s ice cream parlors.”
In Germany, the concept is far rarer but could be a sign of things to come.
