Gelsenkirchen shows flag: 2,000 euros for women and girls projects!

Gelsenkirchen shows flag: 2,000 euros for women and girls projects!

On January 8, 2025, the managing directors of bakeries Zipper and Gatenbröcker, Christian Zipper and Michael Hornberg, presented a generous donation of 2,000 euros. This support that is to Dr. Monika Eickmeier was handed over by the Soroptimist Club Buer, is part of an ongoing initiative to help women and girls in Gelsenkirchen. The campaign is particularly relevant in view of the latest social challenges in the field of violence against women.

The donation should benefit various actions and programs that are committed to strengthening and protecting women and girls. The bakeries sold special bread in November 2023 to support the international day against violence against women, also known as Orange Day. A solemn framework was created that should draw attention to the problem of violence against women.

the orange day as a sign of solidarity

The Orange Day, which took place in Gelsenkirchen on November 25, 2023, was organized by a round table against domestic and sexualized violence. The events included an impressive exhibition of 78 pairs of orange -colored shoes that symbolically stand for every single female. The Hans-Sachs-Haus shone in Orange and was equipped with an orange carpet to set a strong sign against violence.

Mayor Martina Rudowitz, who opened the action day, reported a worrying increase in the number of violence. In 2022, 83 cases of dangerous bodily harm and 459 cases of intentional simple bodily harm were registered, which is an increase compared to the previous year. The illustrated increase in violence makes it clear how important such initiatives are.

Accompanying the events There were information stands on violence protection and several children actions that enabled the youngest to be creative. A photo exhibition entitled "Half of the Heaven" by Annette Schiffmann was also seen in the Hans-Sachs-Haus.

EU engagement and international initiatives

In an international context, the EU also makes great efforts to combat violence against women. The European Commission has already taken the first measures to combat violence against women and domestic violence that will come into force in 2024. These new regulations include strengthening victim protection, the introduction of definitions of certain crimes and improved access to the judiciary.

The EU encourages its Member States to quickly implement measures against violence and discrimination. In addition, a budget of 23 million euros for projects for combating gender -specific violence will be provided in 2025. These European endeavors are in line with the global call to strengthen violence and create public awareness.