Thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Graz on Friday, March 8th to demonstrate for women’s rights. The anger over femicide seems to be great, but the solidarity is even greater. They also want to fight against unpaid female work.
It was cold outside, but the streets of Graz were filling up. According to police estimates, around 2,200 women and men gathered at Karmeliterplatz on Friday evening to demonstrate for rights and freedoms on the occasion of International Women’s Day. “Abortion is a Human Right” and “Smash the Patriarchy” were written on their signs. The motto of this year’s demonstration: “We care! If we strike, the world will stand still!” This refers to the care and caring work, which is still largely carried out by women. “Care work is not socially recognized, is unpaid and is done by women,” said a speaker at the opening. Studies also show that women do an above-average amount of unpaid work – a double burden for many. The organizers said they were committed to a peaceful society in which all people can live equally regardless of gender, origin, age, ideology or disability. The topics of disability and homelessness also came up among the speakers. “Women with disabilities should be able to develop freely,” said a woman from the “Self-determined Life” association. Another said on the highly explosive topic of femicide: “For many it is not possible to break out of the spiral of violence.” Even a femicide survivor had her say. Renate Hofer talked about how she was seriously injured and in a coma. “I learned how important any outside help is. But the most important thing was the inner attitude,” she said. She then sang a song in front of the audience. Many children – as well as politicians – mingled with the dancing and singing demonstrators. Sandra Krautwaschl (The Greens) carried a sign that read: “Real Men are Feminists.” Only women were to be found in the front row of the crowd. The route led over the Glacis and the Iron Gates to the main square, where closing speeches could be heard. According to police, the demonstration ended shortly after 7 p.m. and passed without incident.
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