Commerzbank at CSD in Berlin: in favour of democracy and diversity

It was loud, it was colourful and it was a clear sign: together with several hundreds of thousands of people, 150 Commerzbank employees from various divisions demonstrated at CSD in Berlin in favour of democracy and diversity. Sabine Mlnarsky, Responsible Board Member for Human Resources, joined them on the Commerzbank truck.

“At Commerzbank, we see it as our responsibility to defend our democracy, especially at times when our democratic values are in danger. As an international company, we take a clear stance against hatred, both internally and externally,” Mlnarsky explained in her speech from the truck. She also said that we should not tolerate hate speech and attacks on queer people becoming socially acceptable in certain political circles. Therefore, ‘We have a standing order set up for love’ is a given at the Bank and is our message for the Pride season.

“We all have to campaign for freedom over paternalism, for democracy over dictatorship, for respect over discrimination, for inclusion over exclusion and, last but not least, for love over hate,” highlighted Ole Krüger, spokesperson for ARCO, the Commerzbank Pride network.

Pride network ARCO active for over 20 years.

For over 20 years, ARCO has been working with the Bank to foster a work environment in which everyone can be themselves. For the 24-year-old, it was important to start his working life in a company that is committed to doing that.

Felix Attinger from the project team, who organised Commerzbank’s involvement in CSD, feels similarly. “We are showing how colourful and diverse the Bank is. It was a great experience we had together and it further strengthened our solidarity.”

Other activities during Pride season

Taking part in CSD Berlin was the highlight of the Bank’s Pride activities this year so far. At the beginning, the logo was displayed on the website and on the social media channels in rainbow colours. A panel talk, including Sofia Strabis, Head of Diversity, Health und Employer Branding at Commerzbank, explained how gender diversity has enriched the company.

In Duisburg, the Commerz Direktservice (CDS) helped award the ‘Bridge of Solidarity’ acceptance prize from the association DUPride. It was won this time by staff manager Sarah Ungar for her dedication to the queer community. And on the Rainbow Day at the Goethe University Frankfurt, Commerzbank presented the diversity work it does in front of the students.

Colleagues help out at the CSD in Braunschweig

Commerzbank colleagues are also hard at work in August: as part of the ‘Build bridges’ campaign by the community foundation in Braunschweig, Commerzbank’s Wealth Management and Private Banking teams helped set up the CSD. “We are delighted that we could provide very direct support,” say initiators Carolin Koehmstedt and Stefanie Behrendt.

On 10 August, Commerzbank and ARCO will participate in the CSD Frankfurt on foot and clearly demonstrate in favour of diversity and respect. After all, we have a standing order set up for love!