DFB Women Champion UN Campaign Against Violence
The DFB women's national team is taking a stand against violence towards women by supporting the UN's "Orange the World" campaign. This initiative aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which occurs annually on November 25. The campaign runs until December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day. The DFB's involvement highlights the alarming statistics surrounding violence against women in Germany, where a woman is murdered by a partner every two days, and sexual violence affects a woman every two hours.
During their upcoming international matches against Switzerland and Italy, the team will wear jerseys featuring an orange badge that reads "Stop violence against women." This visible support aims to raise awareness and foster conversations about this critical issue. DFB captain Giulia Gwinn emphasized the importance of sending a strong message against such violence, stating, "The figures on violence against women are shocking every year."
Red Bench Initiative in Oise
In a separate but equally significant effort, a red bench has been inaugurated in Compiègne, Oise, to support women victims of violence. This initiative, led by the Information Center on the Rights of Women and Families (CIDFF 60), symbolizes the bloodshed of women who have suffered violence. The bench serves as a peaceful space for reflection and information, featuring a plaque with the emergency number for victims of sexist violence, 3919.
The red bench aims to encourage women to speak out about their experiences and seek help. Anne Faburel, president of CIDFF 60, highlighted the long journey many women face before leaving abusive situations, often filing multiple complaints before taking action. The initiative calls for more red benches across cities to provide support and raise awareness about domestic violence.
A Growing Movement Against Gender-Based Violence
Both the DFB women's campaign and the red bench initiative reflect a growing movement to combat gender-based violence. The UN's "Orange the World" campaign, launched in 1991, aims to raise awareness of violence against women globally, with over 51,000 women murdered by partners or relatives last year alone. The red bench initiative, which began in France in 2017, serves as a tangible reminder of the need for community support and resources for victims. Together, these efforts underscore the urgency of addressing violence against women and fostering a culture of safety and respect.
