In recognition of her outstanding services to the city of Erlangen, Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana (photo: Green List) has been awarded honorary citizenship. This was decided by the Erlangen City Council on April 30. Through her public work and her far-reaching social and political commitment, the doctor of literature has had a lasting impact on the development of Erlangen and has promoted the well-being of its citizens in a special way, according to the explanatory statement. The ceremonial awarding of the honorary citizenship is planned as part of a festive meeting of the city council in the fall.
Clear emphasis on education, social affairs, health and youth welfare in particular
Born in Mali, she grew up in Senegal. After studying in Paris, Munich and Trier, she taught and researched literature in Erlangen. From 2005 to 2019, Herzberger-Fofana was a member of the Erlangen City Council. There she set clear priorities, particularly in the areas of education, social affairs, health and youth welfare. Her initiatives include the "Black History Weeks", which were held for the first time in 2015. As part of the UN Decade for People of African Descent, the series of events made the history and present of Black people in Germany visible. It also contributed to raising social awareness.
From 2019 to 2024, Herzberger-Fofana represented the region in the European Parliament. Among other things, she campaigned for global justice and sustainable development as the first Vice-Chair of the Committee on Development and the Delegation for Relations with the Pan-African Parliament.
Speech to the United Nations in New York
Herzberger-Fofana's voluntary work is also extremely diverse. As co-founder of Forward-Germany, Foundation of Women's Health Research and Development e.V., she has been campaigning against female genital mutilation and for the rights of women and girls for decades. In 2013, she spoke in this capacity at the United Nations in New York.
Herzberger Fofana has received numerous awards. Back in 2009, she was awarded the prestigious Helene Weber Prize for her commitment to combating violence against women. Her commitment has also been recognized internationally: the Republic of Senegal awarded her the national order of merit "Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite du Sénégal".
Second woman to become an honorary citizen
Herzberger-Fofana is thus the second woman in Erlangen's history to be made an honorary citizen after Dina Radkte (2016). Since 1822, the city's highest honor has been awarded to 53 men and two women. According to the city's statutes, a maximum of five living persons may hold honorary citizenship.
There is a report in the city newspaper "Rathausplatz 1" - June 2025 issue.