OBR 2026: District sets an example against violence against women and girls
On 14 February this year, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg will once again be taking part in the global One Billion Rising campaign, which has been drawing attention to violence against women and girls every year since 2012. On this day, people around the world rise up with dance demonstrations and creative actions against violence, exploitation and oppression - and in favour of equal rights, self-determination and non-violent coexistence. The nationwide motto this year is: "Women on fire".
On fire for a world without violence
The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is deliberately taking a different approach this year and instead of a dance event, is focussing on a different campaign format to appeal to new target groups. Together with the Thalia bookshop in Korbach, a photo campaign entitled "Women on fire in Waldeck-Frankenberg" was organised a few weeks ago. Around 50 people took part and took a photo to show that they are "on fire" for a world without violence against women and girls.
"Those affected are not alone"
The resulting images were used to create a large-format photo collage, which will be exhibited from 14 February at Thalia Korbach as well as in the district hall in Korbach. "It is intended to visualise solidarity, give courage and show presence," says Beate Friedrich, women's representative for the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg. Experiencing violence is often accompanied by shame and the feeling of being alone - especially in cases of domestic violence. "The campaign makes it clear that those affected are not alone. There are people in the immediate environment, in families, at work and in society who clearly condemn violence and stand by those affected," adds Deputy Women's Representative Miriam Drüppel.
A world without violence against women and girls is also one in which the social climate is free of misogynistic attitudes, agree the two employees of the district's specialised service for women and equal opportunities. Because that is also violence against women. But this can only be achieved as a whole society. So it's all the better that we were also able to get men and families with children involved in the campaign - as allies for such a world." The classic dance demo will also take place on Saturday, 14 February at 3 pm on Postplatz in Bad Wildungen. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part. It is being organised by the alliance of women from Bad Wildungen and Edertal.
One in three women worldwide experience violence in their lifetime
According to UN statistics, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Current figures from Germany also show the urgency of the issue: according to the Federal Criminal Police Office's Federal Situation Report on gender-specific offences against women, the number of female victims rose again in 2024. Domestic violence reached an all-time high, with more than 265,000 people recorded as victims, the majority of whom were women. In addition, over 53,000 women and girls were affected by sexual offences, more than half of them under the age of 18. Specialist agencies assume that only a fraction of offences are actually reported, particularly in cases of intimate partner violence. By participating in One Billion Rising 2026, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is emphasising its commitment to equality, solidarity and a society in which violence has no place.
Caption: To mark the global day of action against violence against women and girls, the district organised a photo campaign this year together with the Thalia bookshop. The deputy women's representative of the district Miriam Drüppel, the first district councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese, women's representative Beate Friedrich, Tanja Schreiber from the Women and Equal Opportunities Service and Sabine Hasler from the Thalia bookshop present the photo collage, which is now on display. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)
Keywords:
Women and Equal Opportunities Service Together against violence