From comments and eyes to forced marriage and violence in their own four walls: Alexandra Muth and Birgit Hofstadler are behind a new project by the Mafalda Association, which is intended to raise a sensitization to gender -based violence. In workshops it is pronounced loudly, which otherwise is often covered.
Although men are more of violence in public space, the most dangerous place for women is their own home. The “G’sunde Watschn” can occur less frequently, but most people have a poisonous relationship from their own environment. “There is gender -based violence where patriarchal structures are. It starts from the moment someone feels discriminated against or limited,” explains Alexandra Muth von Mafalda, the Graz Club to support girls.
Many are not aware of these first signs: “Young people often think that someone has to bleed with violence.” Muth knows that from experience – because she is in class for the new “Her*Power” project, funded by the Federal Chancelery and has workshops that are supposed to retain girls like boys from the spiral of violence. She says: related violence can influence all sexes.
And the social worker does further observation: “Violence has increased by social media.” Birgit Hofstadler, head of the Jam Girls Center, also shares this opinion, the youth center of Mafalda. Young people would emulate trends such as Andrew Tate (known for his misogynistic explanations) or half knowledge, with the note: “I saw that on Tiktok.”
But how do the two want to prevent this? “Her*strength” is divided into three areas, which mainly relate to prevention and awareness. The primary range is workshops for school classes – blocked in three units for all Styrians of the age of 14. Secondly, the Mafalda team offers protected discussion rooms in the Jam Girls’ Center (Archen Noah 11, 8020 Graz). “This is also very about prevention. Young women approach us with specific cases, we continue to convey,” says Muth.
Forced marriage as a particularly sensitive subject
The third column is representatives from the young age group that they still want to mobilize. They should spread the content low in the classrooms. “It often takes time for someone to open,” says Hofstadler. It is important here that friends remain persistent. The subject of forced marriage, which is officially affected in Austria every year, is particularly sensitive – the number of non -reported cases is much higher. “And it affects all religions and cultures,” says Hofstadler.
“For a long time, young women were not even aware of the limitations and limitations under which they live. Then it is very difficult to break out because you might have to break with people you love,” says Hofstadler. Mafalda has been open for three locations for such topics with targeted youth work for women and in the form of 50 employees for 35 years. “At Mafalda, every subject – from love to massive violence – has a protected framework where it can be tackled without fear.”
The “Her*Power” workshop can be booked by styric schools and youth facilities. About Alexandra Muth, Alexandra.muth@mafalda.at or Online.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
