Recently, a conversation broke out among students about scholarships. One 22-year-old said: "It's unfair to restrict scholarships by age — BAföG, travel passes, all of it." Another disagreed: "It's fair. By 40, a person has already worked, saved money — they can support themselves if they decide to change careers."
She was right. And wrong at the same time.
I am exactly that person — 44 years old, and I went back to school. Why didn't I save enough? Because I was simply not allowed to study. First my parents. Then my husband.
"Stay home. Obey. Raise the children. A woman's place is in the home."
My entire life, I depended on my husband. I didn't even know his salary. And then — after the divorce — I picked myself up, piece by piece, and went to learn a profession. It wasn't easy to get here. And it is still not easy.
An Azubi earns around 900 euros gross per month. Every month I count every cent and count the days until the next payment. For myself alone, it would be enough. But I have children.
And I am not alone in this. There are women who had no profession, no familiarity with social systems — and then came the divorce, and suddenly they are standing on the side of the road, alone, with no idea where to begin. There are also women who chose family first — who waited until their children grew up — and only then decided to find themselves and learn. There are more of us than people think.
So when I read again:
"Our scholarship programme is open to applicants up to the age of 40."
It hurts.
Age is not our choice. It is simply the passing of time. Age does not guarantee wealth, savings, or a safety net. Especially for a woman who devoted herself — or was made to devote herself — to family, children, and the household.
I am not naive enough to think I can change the system. But in my view: in a modern society, these age limits deserve to be reconsidered — if not removed entirely.
What do you think?