Rally for Women's Safety: Dance Demonstration Held in Dusseldorf Marketplace

In the heart of Düsseldorf, on Valentine's Day, over 100 individuals gathered on the market square for the annual "One Billion Rising" action. This global movement, first originated by New York artist and feminist Eve Ensler in 2012, symbolises the collective strength of women and girls worldwide who have experienced violence and are unable to express their plight publicly.

Käthe Lorenz, from the association for women's communication, kom!ma, welcomed the participants. For over ten years, kom!ma has been one of the organisers of this significant event in Düsseldorf. The group of engaged girls from various youth recreation facilities also participated, displaying their posters and receiving much applause.

The dance movements of "One Billion Rising" represent the fight against violence against women. Raised hands symbolise strength and energy, stepping forward in solidarity represents support, lifting legs symbolise breaking chains, and moving arms around the head and body signify protection. The raised finger is a symbol of each woman taking on a role model to stand against violence.

This year, the flag at the town hall was pink, symbolising power, courage, and the joy of life. Morgaine Prinz, known from previous years, spoke at the action, discussing the number of women already killed in 2025 and criticising advice for women to stay home to protect themselves. According to a UN statistic, one in three women and girls worldwide will experience violence in their lifetime.

In 2023, 360 women and girls became victims of femicide in Germany. To address this issue, the Federal Council approved the Violence Assistance Act on the same day, which will significantly improve the situation for women experiencing violence. With the Act, there will be a legal claim to protection from 2032, with the necessary structures to be established by then. Currently, women must pay for their own place in a women's shelter, which is an unacceptable barrier.

There are currently 70 women's shelters in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) with around 700 places for women and their children. However, it is estimated that around 1,200 more places are needed, and women in need of protection are turned away daily.

The woman known in Düsseldorf in 2025 for her commitment against violence towards women and whose texts are inspired by numerous female victims is Seyran Ateş, a lawyer, author, and women's rights activist. Her unwavering dedication to this cause serves as a beacon of hope for many.

The "One Billion Rising" action took place in more than 200 countries, with the 2025 motto being "Rise For Empathy." As the sun set on Düsseldorf's market square, the crowd dispersed, each individual carrying the spirit of unity and the determination to stand against violence against women. The fight continues, and the call to rise is louder than ever.