Matriarchy presents us a well balanced, egalitarian and peaceful society without wars of conquest and the rule of dominance. I am convinced that matriarchy is needed for a humane world.

Dr. Heide Göttner-Abendroth (born 1941) taught philosophy for ten years at the University of Munich and is the founder of modern matriarchal studies. Her 30 years of research in the field and her books focus on egalitarian and peaceful societies. They have been the basis for further studies in many countries. In 1986, she established the International Academy Hagia, which is primarily attended and supported by women. In 2003, she directed the First World Congress in Matriarchal Studies in Luxembourg, and in 2005, the Second World Congress with the title "Societies of Peace" in the US.

Heide Göttner-Abendroth is a philosopher and researcher on matriarchal societies and cultures. Born and raised in the former East Germany, her interest in how societies function developed early, and she always challenged social patterns. In 1973, she earned her doctorate in philosophy and theory of science at the University of Munich and taught there for ten years. Her research on structures that existed prior to patriarchy and patriarchal philosophy turned her world view and historical understanding upside down. In 1976, protesting against women's discrimination at the University, she joined the women’s movement and became a pioneer of women’s studies in Germany. She became known as a discerning critic of patriarchy and a researcher in matriarchal societies and cultures, and was the founding mother of modern matriarchal studies. Her research work spans more than 30 years. In her widely read books she fought prejudice against matriarchal forms of society. In her major work "Das Matriarchat" she shows that these societies are not dominated by women, but are based on the principle of balance between genders and generations and between humankind and the natural world. Guided by the value of motherliness, women organized egalitarian societies with intelligent conventions for the prevention of violence and the maintenance of peace. They are based on communication and finding consent and not on domination. From these insights, she gained her vision for a truly humane life for the future of humankind. In 1986, she founded the independent International Academy Hagia for Modern Matriarchal Studies in Germany. In 2003, she guided the First World Congress on Matriarchal Studies in Luxembourg and was invited to direct the Second World Congress on Matriarchal Studies in Austin, Texas, in 2005. In so doing, she continues to contribute to a peaceful world.

International Academy Hagia