Equality in focus: Cities show initiative for international women's day!

Equality in focus: Cities show initiative for international women's day!

Wien, Österreich - On March 5, 2025, the results of the urban association-AK equality index, which indicates the alarming underrepresentation of women in local politics and business. Women make up only 11 percent of the mayors and 26 percent of the municipalities, while only 14 percent of management positions are occupied in business. Thomas Weninger, Secretary General of the Association of the District, emphasized that cities and municipalities are responsible for promoting equality policy. The index pays particular attention to the importance of public transport for women, which are often dependent on this infrastructure due to their care tasks, since they have their own car less often.

actions for international women's day

In the coming days, especially around the international Women's Day on March 8, numerous cities, including Vienna, Linz and Graz, are planning to promote equality. The city of Vienna organizes a Women's Week with over 200 free events under the motto "Vienna as it wants". A highlight will be the "Open City Hall" on March 8, in which clubbing only takes place for women in the Volkshalle. Other cities are similarly committed: In Steyr, a film evening is carried out with the film "Bombshell - The End of Silence" and a bar camp on "media and equality" in Salzburg is held in Salzburg. Linz is planning a demonstration with the provocative motto "Smash the Patriarchy - Fight for Democracy".

These events are not only celebrations, but also serve as a platform for discussion about existing challenges. As Ostdeutsche Nachrichten reported, International Women's Day has developed into a symbolic day of struggle against discrimination and for equality for over 100 years. Already in 1910 it was decided at an international conference in Copenhagen to introduce a women's day to fight for women's rights. This historical connection is visible again in the planned actions for international women's day, while cities indicate that there is still a lot to do despite the progress.

For detailed information about the equality index and upcoming events, please visit the Official page of the city district as well as read the Reporting of the NDR .