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Torchlight procession in Eferding: A strong signal against violence against women
On November 25th, more than 100 participants held a torchlight procession against femicide and violence against women in Eferding. The Soroptimist Club sends a strong signal of solidarity with actions.
Torchlight procession in Eferding: A strong signal against violence against women
The first torchlight procession against violence against women recently took place in Eferding, bringing together more than 100 committed women and men. Organized by the Sofoptimist Club Eferding, this event was held on the International Day to End Violence Against Women, November 25th. The aim of the torchlight procession was to send a strong and visible signal against this form of violence in the city center of Eferding. Among the participants were Mayor Christian Penn of Eferding, Mayor Wolfgang Kreinecker of Hinzenbach as well as state representative Astrid Zehetmair and representatives of local service clubs.
The event also offered an opportunity to open the exhibition “The Wild Man and the Dead Woman” by Nicole Toferer and Paola Lesslhumer. In a moving speech, Karin Peschka recalled the profound social problems associated with acts of violence against women.
Femicides: An Alarming Increase
In the last ten years, the number of femicides, also known as femicides, has more than doubled in Austria. So far in 2024 there have been 24 femicides and 39 cases of serious violence. These figures underline the urgency of such events, which are intended to draw attention to such tragic developments.
The global campaign “OTW – Orange the World” extends from November 25th to December 10th, Human Rights Day, and includes numerous actions. These actions aim to raise public awareness about violence against women through the use of the color orange.
Support for “Pia”
Another moving moment of the evening was the presentation of a check for 2,000 euros to the non-profit project “Pia”. Barbara Niedermayr, the association's managing director, accepted the check from the Soroptimists. The association offers advice and therapy for women who have become victims of sexual violence and is actively involved in sexual education and prevention.
These types of events are necessary not only in Eferding but everywhere in order to give the victims of violence a voice and at the same time raise public awareness of these critical issues. Rising levels of violence against women are an alarming sign that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of women and girls.