The University for Sustainable Development is taking part in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Prof Dr Matthias Barth, President of HNEE, took a stand on behalf of the university at the symbolic raising of the flag 'We say NO'.

An extract from the speech: "Today we are raising a flag. But this is more than a symbolic act. It is a sign - a sign that we are looking, that we are watching and that we are acting. Violence against women and girls is still one of the most serious violations of human rights worldwide. But it doesn't just start when we read about shocking cases in the newspaper, which are often trivialised by calling them "family drama" instead of describing them for what they are: Femicides. Violence begins much earlier. It begins where we remain silent, where we look away, where the topic makes us uncomfortable. It begins in moments when misogynistic remarks among friends or acquaintances pass as "jokes" - and no one contradicts them. It starts when we don't get involved because we think it's not our problem. Yet we live in a time when the climate in many places around the world is changing in a way that worries me. Rights that we have taken for granted are being questioned again. Old conflicts are breaking out and there is a danger that violence and injustice will escalate. This makes it all the more important that we not only react, but also act proactively. What can we do? It starts with overcoming silence. It starts with looking at what is going wrong, speaking out when misogynistic words are used and showing solidarity. It means creating an environment at our university in which violence has no place - neither physical nor verbal. This must be exemplified and demanded. Today we are raising a flag in remembrance. But even more importantly, we are committed to setting an example every day: against violence, against silence, against indifference. Let us lead the way together and show what a community of solidarity looks like."
Dr Sylvia Setzkorn, Equal Opportunities Officer for the district of Barnim, and Dunja Schwarz-Fink, Regional Director of the Paritätischer Landesverband Brandenburg and representative of the Barnim Women's Network, gave speeches. Further information and dates can be found on the website of the Barnim Women's Network.
At our university, you can contact various representatives, such as our Equal Opportunities Officer or the Coordination Centre for Anti-Racism Work, via the Network for Equal Opportunities & Diversity.

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