Staged Dance Performance in Dusseldorf Marketplace Protests Against Women's Violence
In a significant stride towards women's safety, the Violence Assistance Act was approved on Friday morning, promising a brighter future for women experiencing violence. The approval was celebrated in Düsseldorf, where the "One Billion Rising" action was held, marking the 10th consecutive year of the event.
The event, organised by an association yet to be named, saw over 100 people gather on Düsseldorf's market square. The atmosphere was filled with energy and determination as the crowd danced under the One Billion Rising flag, symbolising their united stand against violence.
Käthe Lorenz of kom!ma, an association for women's communication, welcomed participants. The dance, originally created by New York artist and feminist Eve Ensler in 2012, was a powerful demonstration of the fight against violence against women. The dance movements, such as lifting legs to break the chains, and raising arms to symbolise strength and energy, resonated with the crowd.
The dance was preceded by a march, with girls from various youth centers showcasing their posters, receiving much applause. The raised finger, a sign of the role model function that every woman takes on to stand against violence, was a common sight throughout the event.
The Violence Assistance Act, expected to significantly improve the situation for women experiencing violence, will provide a legal claim to protection from 2032 onwards. However, currently, women have to pay for their place in the women's shelter, which is an unbearable hurdle for many. There are 70 women's shelters in NRW with around 700 places for women and their children, but around 1,200 more are still needed.
The event also highlighted the alarming statistic that one in three women and girls worldwide will experience violence in their lifetime. In 2023, 360 women and girls became victims of femicide. Morgaine Prinz, a well-known advocate, spoke at the event, addressing the number of women already killed in 2025 and criticising advice for women to stay at home to protect themselves.
The 2025 motto for the "One Billion Rising" action is: Rise For Empathy. The flag at the town hall was pink, symbolising power, courage, and joy of life. The event ended with a powerful message, emphasising that violence against women will no longer be tolerated.
The "One Billion Rising" action day is held in over 200 countries, showing solidarity with all women who cannot defend themselves. Upright steps forward, arm movements around the head and body representing protection, and the dance symbolising the fight against violence against women, were all signs of this solidarity. The group of committed girls from the youth centers is growing larger, indicating a promising future for the movement.
