Breaking the taboo: United to end violence against women
Our common goal is to take a stand to end violence against women, raise awareness and provide financial support to women in need. cosnova says NO has gained Sarah Bora as an advocate. The musician and entrepreneur experienced violence in her own relationship for a long time. She is committed to empowering other women and is a co-founder of #dienächste. Together with Astrid Haury, Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility, she answers some questions why this initiative is so important. Read the interview with Sarah Bora, Co-founder of #dienächste and Astrid Haury, Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility at cosnova.
"That's why it's so important to raise awareness and break the taboo that often surrounds it."
COSNOVA'S INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS. WHY THIS TOPIC IN PARTICULAR?
Astrid Haury: At cosnova, we have been committed to the mission to "Make everyone feel more beautiful" for over 20 years. But before we can feel beautiful, basic human needs such as safety and integrity must be met. That's why we have launched the initiative in partnership with Zonta Germany.
Sarah Bora: It is a shocking fact that one in three women experience violence at least once in their lives. It is still far too often stigmatised and there is not enough awareness that it can happen to any woman, regardless of her background, social status or age. That's why it's so important to raise awareness and break the taboo that often surrounds it.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COLOUR ORANGE IN RELATION TO THE CAMPAIGN?
Astrid Haury: We have chosen this colour because it is in line with the UN Women "Orange the World" campaign. We are donating a total of 100,000 Euros, which will be channelled into a fund for women's shelters.
WHY IS THE DONATION GOING TO WOMEN'S SHELTERS?
Sarah Bora: In Germany, a woman experiences violence in a relationship every four minutes. Apart from shame, financial dependence can also be one of the reasons why women often wait a very long time before deciding to leave their partner. Once the decision has been made, things usually have to move quickly. Women's shelters provide support, shelter and security to women in absolute emergency situations.
Astrid Haury: What many people don't know is that it costs up to 100 Euros per person per day to stay in a women's shelter. These costs are covered for women who receive social benefits, but there are also many women who fall through the cracks, such as students, working women and some refugees. If they cannot afford to pay, they may be turned away from the women's shelter. It is hard to imagine how women feel when they find themselves in such a threatening situation. Our donation goes into a fund that helps these women by funding their stay at the shelter.
HOW DOES ZONTA SUPPORT COSNOVA HERE?
Astrid Haury: Zonta is an important, experienced partner for our initiative and has been committed to putting an end to violence against women for many years. Our initiative is intended to be a long-term commitment. For 2024, there are already some initial ideas about tackling the topic of prevention.
WHAT CAN FRIENDS AND RELATIVES DO WHEN THEY REALISE THAT SOMEONE CLOSE TO THEM IS AFFECTED?
Sarah Bora: Above all, it is important to show empathy and a willingness to help, whether by asking the victim about their situation or offering them a place to stay. Those affected often find it difficult to break free from a violent relationship. They may not even accept your support immediately. In these cases, it is important not to judge, but to refer them to public resources like the support hotline.
