Maria Schneider (politician) facts for kids

Maria Schneider, born on February 9, 1923, is a German politician. She was a member of the State Council of East Germany from 1967 to 1971. This was a very important government group in East Germany.

Maria Schneider: A Life in East German Politics

Early Life and Education

Maria Schneider was born in a small German village called Merka. Her father worked on a farm and was part of the Sorbian people. The Sorbs are a Slavic group living in parts of Germany.

When she was fifteen, Maria left school. From 1938 to 1941, she learned about business. After her training, she worked as an assistant and secretary.

Joining Important Organizations

In May 1945, World War II ended. The Nazi government in Germany fell apart. After the war, many groups that were banned could start again.

Maria joined Domowina in 1945. This was the main organization for Sorbian people. In 1948, she joined the Trades Union Federation (FDGB). This was a big group for workers in the part of Germany controlled by the Soviet Union.

Later, in October 1949, this area became a new country called German Democratic Republic. In 1948, Maria also joined the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). This party became the main ruling party in East Germany. She also joined the Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) in 1948. This group focused on women's rights and roles.

Her Career and Political Roles

From 1952 to 1958, Maria Schneider worked as an instructor. She taught about women's work at a place called MTS Luttowitz. This place helped farms with machinery.

Then, from 1958 to 1962, she became the head of the labor department there. At the same time, she held a senior job at a factory in Großdubrau. This factory made electrical parts.

Maria decided to study more. Until 1964, she went to the Industrial Institute at Ilmenau University of Technology. She earned a degree in Engineering Economics.

In 1964, she started working for a large telecommunications company in Bautzen. She became an assistant to the Economics Director. By 1971, she became the Economics Director herself.

Maria Schneider also became active in politics. From 1949 to 1953, she was a "community representative." In 1957, she became a local councilor for the Bautzen area.

In 1967, she moved into national politics. She became a representative for the Trades Union Federation (FDGB) in the National Legislature (Volkskammer). This was East Germany's parliament. She stayed there until 1976.

From 1971 to 1976, she was also part of the parliament's committee for Industry, Construction, and Transport. From 1967 to 1971, she was a member of the important State Council.