Marie Schlei

Marie Schlei (née: Stabenow; 26 November 1919 – 21 May 1983) was a German politician and a member of Social Democratic Party (SPD). She served as minister of economic cooperation from 1976 to 1978, being the first female head of the ministry.

Early life and education She was born Marie Stabenow in Reetz, Pommern, on 26 November 1919. She was the parliamentary state secretary in the premier's office from 1974 to 1976.

Schlei was appointed minister of economic cooperation to the cabinet led by Prime Minister Helmut Schmidt on 15 December 1976, replacing Egon Bahr in the post. Her appointment was not welcomed by the German media due to being a woman.

Personal life and death She married in 1940, and her husband died in 1943 while fighting in World War II. She had a son from this marriage. The association develops projects to this end.