Basel’s Historic Honor Societies Welcome Women After Centuries of Exclusion

A 600-year-old tradition shatters as two women join Basel’s elite honor societies. Could this spark a wave of change in one of Europe’s most storied festivals?

, and Administrator

2026 January 14 . 5:35 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of women standing next to each other in front of a green wall, with a... — The image shows a group of women standing next to each other in front of a green wall, with a window on the left side. They appear to be participating in an international women's day event, as indicated by the text at the bottom of the image.

Basel’s Historic Honor Societies Welcome Women After Centuries of Exclusion

Basel’s historic Kleinbasel honor societies have admitted women as members for the first time in centuries. The three societies—zum Rebhaus, zu den Hären, and zu den Greifen—announced the news just before the Vogel Gryff festival. Among the new members are two women, marking a significant change in tradition.

The societies’ governing council approved the admissions in December 2025, though the names remained confidential until the festival. A total of eight new members, including the two women, were welcomed this year. The presiding Meister, Samuel Müller, confirmed that a large majority of members were pleased to see female members, known as Gesellschaftsschwestern, join their ranks.

Anna Svea Grafström Burkhardt, an artist, has joined zum Rebhaus after discovering Kleinbasel’s traditions through her children. Émélie Dunn, a Green Party councilor, became part of zu den Greifen, stating that her decision was personal rather than political. Both women are the first female members in these historic corporations since women’s participation vanished after the late Middle Ages. The societies anticipate more women applying in the future. This shift could eventually lead to a woman wearing one of the festival’s iconic costumes, a role previously reserved for men.

The admission of women into these centuries-old societies follows a formal approval process. While the change reflects evolving traditions, the societies have emphasised that the decision was made with broad support. The move may encourage further participation from women in the years ahead.