The Federal Chancellery is investing €2 million into 18 different initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls in Austria.
Around 7,000 women are expected to benefit from the funding.
Funding to support women’s rights, combat violence, and improve digital skills
The funding, announced by Women’s Minister Susanne Raab from The People’s Party (ÖVP), will mainly support projects focusing on improving the lives of women in rural regions, women over 60, and women working on farms.
Main areas of support include combating forced marriage, gender stereotypes, and addressing cultural and family-related violence. The funding supports projects that offer ways out of violent structures, raise awareness of specialised institutions, and promote dialogue between generations.
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"Violence has no place here in Austria. We are taking numerous measures to combat this and ensure that women who are victims of such acts receive the necessary help and support, because every woman and girl in Austria should be able to live free from violence," says Raab.
The projects will run from 1st September 2024 to 31st December 2025 and also focus on empowering women and girls in the digital space. This includes supporting projects that promote access to digital skills and develop strategies to combat digital violence, such as online hate.
Significant support to associations all over Austria
“Every woman and girl must know that she can achieve anything in her life and live the way she wants”, emphasised Raab.
Significant support from the Chancellery includes €150,000 for the "EqualiZ" association in Carinthia. The association aims to improve participation and self-confidence among women and girls in rural areas, particularly those in the agricultural sector.
EqualiZ focuses on breaking down outdated gender roles and tackling power imbalances that limit women's opportunities and independence. The association also works to address different forms of gender-based violence.
Another recipient is Johannes Kepler University in Linz, which will receive €190,000 for a nationwide project aimed at educating schoolgirls about the risks of cybercrime related to artificial intelligence.
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Additionally, about €120,000 is awarded to the "Mafalda" association in Styria for raising awareness about human and women’s rights, as well as forced marriage.
The association's goal is to provide a creative approach to complex issues, offer information on violence dynamics and patriarchal structures, and highlight options for escaping such situations.
You can read about the other projects that will receive funding HERE.
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