blog-en – GeSoB – Gesellschaft für Sozialforschung und Bildung

Best of women’s power March 2024

In March 2024, the LEADER region Elsbeere Wienerwald was all about women. The “Women’s Power in the Wienerwald” project aimed to strengthen women in the regional economy and create a strong network. Through a combination of regional public relations work and various themed events, we made women in business more visible!

At the heart of the project were four in-house events that were specially designed to network and promote women in business:

Our events:

Thu, 29.02.2024 – Opening event Frauen Reigen ‘Wir haben etwas zu erzählen’ – Frauen-Power im Wienerwald, from 18:30 to 20:30 in the Rathaus Saal, moderated by Christa Berger, followed by an opportunity to network and a small buffet -> link to the event and link to the follow-up report
Fri, 08.03.2024, International Women’s Day – GEHspräche from 13:30 to approx. 18:00 – we visit entrepreneurs in the centre of Neulengbach (who is going?). Meeting point 13:30: SpeiseLokal, Wienerstraße 25, 3040 Neulengbach -> link to event and link to follow-up report
Sun, 17.03.2024, 13:00 to 15:00 – Guided tour with Hedy Fohringer ‘Strong women in Neulengbach – past and present’, meeting point: Kirchenplatz 2, 3040 Neulengbach, guided tour (through the centre of Neulengbach) free of charge -> link to the event and link to the follow-up report
Wed, 20.03.2024, 19:30 – The film ‘Die Dirigentin’ – A cooperation with EU XXL Die Reihe and Theaterei Entertainment, venue: Theaterei, Hauptstraße 5, 3051 St. Christophen, admission free -> link to the event and link to the follow-up report

Outlook June 2024 – what’s next for the Women’s Power in the Wienerwald initiative?

As part of the GEHsundheitstag of the platform Gesund Leben on 15 June 2024 (from 10:00 in the Neulengbach city park), we will ask the question of how the initiative, which has existed since the beginning of March, will continue and we are asking YOU! Further information about the event …

The exhibition ‘Frauenwelten im Wienerwald’ will take place in June 2024 together with Karin Komosny, wohlgeformte Damen and Jackie Komarek, Frauenbilder, in the Ideenwerkstatt Hauptplatz 16, 3040 Neulengbach – more information will follow soon. Vernissage Thu, 31.05.2024, 18:30

Click here for our video stories Women’s power in the Wienerwald

Best of photos by Maria Hörmandinger

Michaela Schmitz, Christa Berger, Paul Schober, Foto Monika Dietl, NÖN

Film ‘The Conductor’ Women’s power in the Wienerwald

On Wednesday, 20.03.2024, the film ‘Die Dirigentin’ – a cooperation with EU XXL Die Reihe and Theaterei Entertainment – was shown as part of our ‘Frauenpower im Wienerwald’ initiative. Thank you to all interested participants for this wonderful film evening!

The video stories about Lisa Köhler, Finsterhof Camping, and Andrea Westermayer, Stoffe und Nähservice Westermayer, which were produced by the GeSoB association (Paul Schober) and Verena Rauscher from ‘das Moment’, were presented as the opening credits.

You can watch the videos here

Official info about the film:

NL 2018, feature film, 135 min, DF
US-American Antonia Brico has only one goal in life:
She wants to become a conductor. But when she was a student in the 1920s, this ambition was virtually impossible. Ridiculed by both men and women for her dream, she makes her debut as conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1930 despite all opposition, becoming the first female conductor in the world and paving the way for another generation of women to enter a profession that is still dominated by men today. Based on a true story.
Written & directed by Maria Peters, camera: Rolf Dekens
With: Christanne de Bruijn, Benjamin Wainwright, Richard Sammel, Annet Malherbe and others.

The Conductor | Official Trailer International

Photos private

Guided tour with Hedy Fohringer Women’s power in the Wienerwald

On Sunday, 17.03.2024, many interested people (women and men) met at the church square in Neulengbach to explore the town centre together with Hedy Fohringer on the topic of ‘Women’s power – strong women – past and present’. The journey to the strong women – past and present – by Hedy Fohringer led via the church square, the court of justice with the Neulengbach Region Museum, Egon Schiele Square, the Lampl fountain by the Raiffeisenbank staircase to the old town hall/meeting room and the town park. A really great summary can be found HERE (link) in the report by Michael Dielt, who took part in the tour together with his wife Monika Dietl (both travelling for the NÖN) – thank you for the remarkable report!

Fotos Maria Hörmandinger

Hedy Fohringer, Paul Schober, Michaela Schmitz, Maria Rigler

GEHspräche – Women’s power in the Wienerwald

On Friday, 8 March 2024, on International Women’s Day, a group of interested people met at 13:30 at the SpeiseLokal in Wienerstraße in Neulengbach for the GEHspräche ‘entrepreneurial women’s power in the Vienna Woods’.

The aim of the GEHspräche was to showcase the diversity of female entrepreneurs in Neulengbach.

The GEHspräche route led from SpeiseLokal through Wienerstraße, Weinhebergasse, Postgasse to the pharmacy, then on via Rathausplatz and upper Hauptplatz to Andrea Westermayer. The GEHspräche ended at 17:30 – and we were far from seeing all the entrepreneurial women in Neulengbach – i.e. there will be a continuation of the ‘GEHspräche – entrepreneurial women’s power in the Vienna Woods’ on request!

Contact: Michaela Schmitz, +43 660 125 81 20

Gudrun Fercher-Grüner, Grüner Wirtschaftstreuhand Steuerberatung, Wienerstraße 2

Juliana Lutz, SpeiseLokal (start of the GEHspräche), Wienerstraße 25

Veronika Sturm (not in the photo), city farmer, Wienerstraße 23

PRACTICE ROOMS Dr Katzensteiner, Dr Ines Katzensteiner, Wienerstraße 21

Dr Gudrun Groher-Tögel, paediatrician in Neulengbach, Wienerstraße 21

Maria Kreutzer, learning with heart, Wienerstraße 10

Dr Franziska Jirak-Crupi, dentist, Weinherberstrasse 3

Barbara Geringer, Barbara’s Backstube, Wienerstraße 11

Dr Christa Reinthaller, Craniosacral Osteopathy, Wienerstraße 8

Dr Andrea Joichl, internist, Wienerstraße 8

Doctors Alexandra Leber and Verena Schaubschläger, Wienerstraße 9

Tanja Gubic, GUBIC Vertriebs-GmbH, Wienerstrasse 5

Katrin Pfeifenberger, Apotheke zur Hl. Dreifaltigkeit, Rathausplatz 17

Sophie-Marie Ehn, Bakery, Rathausplatz 12

Tatjana Neuwirth, Mrs Sporty Neulengbach, Rathausplatz 9

Karin Komosny, arts and crafts gallery art & wiese, Rathausplatz 5, Wienerstraße Top 1

Karin Komosny & Michaela Schmitz, CoWorking Startraum, Rathausplatz 5, Wienerstraße Top 2

Julia Vogl, Dance Centre Neulengbach, Wienerstraße 2

Martina Leodolter, Mörtl Immobilien, Wienerstraße 5

Daniela Schimatschek, Reiser hairdressing salon, Wienerstraße 4

Stephanie Kiamil, Physio am Schlossberg, Wienerstraße 5

Susanne Colombini, physiotherapist, Wienerstraße 5

Mama Brutschy, Stadtgreisslerei Brutschy, Hauptplatz 27

Gabi Tuma-Kropek, Lieblingstyle, Hauptplatz 25

Ursula Köberl, fruits&more, Hauptplatz 25

Karin Frank, Modehaus Frank – Sabine Müller-Schertler, Birgit Schmutzhart, Gabi Reither, Martha Preuss, Hauptplatz 21

Christa Lechner, Gartenplanung Lechner, Hauptplatz 19

Dr Aline Berthold, Bewegung im Kopf – Dr Berthold Coachings e.U., Hauptplatz 19

Martha Gruber and Viktoria Kastner, Marthas Schuhkastl, Hauptplatz 17

Eva Balt, Evas Blumengwölb, Hauptplatz 11

Isabella Huber-Franschitz, Physiotherapy, Hauptplatz 11

Johanna Haas, Physiotherapy, Hauptplatz 11

Petra Kieberger, tax consultancy, Hauptplatz 9

Sabrina Fila, Slimming while lying down, Hauptplatz 9

Andrea Westermayer, fabrics, sewing accessories, sewing machines Westermayer, Hauptplatz 5

On foot at the GEH talks were:

Barbara Bach, Ayurveda room, Novarragasse 17

Barbara Bach (left) in a GEHsprächs with Monika Hintermeier

Barbara Löffler, local councillor

Barbara Löffler (second from right) in conversation with Elisabeth Daim (right), Dr Ingrid Daim and Paul Schober (far left)

Tatjana Tupy, Working together organically, Almersbergstraße 4/5/14

Tatjana Tupy (left) in a GEHsprächs with Paul Schober

Katharina Timmel, Herzgewebt, Eschenbachgasse 13

Katharina Timmel (left) in a GEHsprächs with Paul Schober

Maria Hörmandinger, photographer, Mazettistraße 1

Elisabeth Daim and Dr Ingrid Daim

Dr Ingrid Daim (centre) and Elisabeth Daim (right) and Barbara Löffler (left) at the GEHsprächs in the Apotheke zur Hl. Dreifaltigkeit pharmacy

Monika Hintermeier, message – the agency for city marketing and stage in court

Monika Hintermeier (far right) at the GEHsprächs with Barbara Löffler (centre) and Christa Lechner (right)

Paul Mühlbauer, Deputy Mayor

Our Deputy Mayor Paul Mühlbauer (far right)

Michaela Schmitz, Marketing and Public Relations, Almersbergstraße 4/3/13

Michaela Schmitz (left) at the GEHsprächs with Katrin Pfeifenberger

Paul Schober, GeSoB Association and Hafelekar Business Consultancy, Eschenbachgasse 14

Paul Schober (right) in conversation with Gabi Tuma-Kropik (centre) and Michaela Schmitz (left)

Photos Maria Hörmandinger and also present – Monika Dietl from the NÖN

Monika Dietl (right) in conversation with Andrea Westermayer (left)

Opening event Frauen Reigen

On Thursday, 29 February 2024, the opening event for the Leader project ‘Frauenpower im Wienerwald’, the women’s round dance ‘Wir haben etwas zu erzählen’ took place in the town hall hall of the municipality of Neulengbach. Christa Berger hosted the evening.

Right at the opening, we women were able to demonstrate our talent for improvisation – as an introduction, the first two video stories (made by Verena Rauscher) by Lisa Köhler and Andrea Westermayer were shown – unfortunately the sound transmission between laptop and projector did not work and so the two women had to synchronise themselves, which worked wonderfully! Thanks to their spontaneity!

The event was opened by Christina Gassner, leader manager, Barbara Löffler, local councillor and Michaela Schmitz, co-initiator of the ‘Frauenpower im Wienerwald’ initiative. After the opening, the first of a total of three women’s rounds (women’s pearls) was started by Christa Berger.

The first Women’s Round Table of Pearls was held:

Michaela Schmitz, co-initiator of Frauenpower im Wienerwald and midwife for dormant ideas
Barbara Bach, Ayurveda practitioner (Raum für Dich), art therapist and textile upcycler (working title #irgendwasmitPlanen)
Karin Komosny, Shiatsu practitioner with Berührung bewegt, artist with Keramik bewegt and arts and crafts gallery art & wiese
Regina Halbauer, the wardrobe whisperer (organisation coach)
Karin Peter, Lower Austria theme exchange and member of the core team of the Mitmach Region

The second Women’s Round of Pearls included:

Renate Hinterndorfer, NÖN, editorial office Neulengbach
Silvia Gramang-Haring, NÖ Volkshilfe and Women’s Circle
Monika Sorko from the Community Nurses Neulengbach
Judith Raunig, clinical and health psychologist, Tralalobe and MS Moves association
Aline Berthold, Bewegung im Kopf Coachings

In the third and final round of the women’s round of pearls, the women told us about themselves:

Renate Zach, Renate’s Farm
Tatjana Tupy, Working together organically
Isabella Wagner, TRePSTI Institute, time cushion and soon also with a podcast
Magdalena Huber-Berndl, direct marketer, body in balance and star child mum
Barbara Seyrl, Fairwurzelt (employment and qualification project for job-seeking women with the aim of supporting their re-entry into working life)

The event ended with a buffet from our Stadtgreisslerei Brutschy with traditional crocodiles (also vegetarian and vegan) and drinks. Contacts were made, experiences exchanged, ideas forged, buttons made and the evening enjoyed. Thanks to all the women who made this evening such a special event!

Photos Maria Hörmandinger

Mariposa – 3rd Newsletter

As the MARIPOSA project is coming to an end, we are thrilled to share with you the latest developments of our ongoing commitment to fight violence on women and raise awareness against gender-based violence. Over the past few months, our team has worked tirelessly to organise a series of key events to present the results of our project and raise awareness about such an unfortunately current issue.

MULTIPLYING CHANGE IN AUSTRIA, ITALY, SPAIN, GREECE AND ROMANIA

Our events have been a key step in spreading awareness and actively involving the community. In Austria, Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania and France we have organised and are currently organising engaging meetings where we have shared and will share the results of our project sofar. These events provided a valuable opportunity to stimulate dialogue and reflection on how to collectively combat gender-based violence.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY

Coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we launched awareness-raising campaigns to amplify the voice against gender-based violence based on our
Guide on Capacity building of Peers in Multiplication and Networking Strategies. Through our digital platforms and local activities in partner countries, we shared useful resources and crucial information to educate and mobilise the community.

PROJECT CONCLUSION & ONGOING COMMITMENT

While this particular project is coming to a close, our commitment to promoting awareness, enacting change and supporting those affected by gender-based violence remains constant through other numerous initiatives, information events and trainings that aim to reach the highest number of people possible. What about yours?

HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Spread the Word:
Share our resources and messages through social media and within your network.
Continuous Education:
Further educate yourself on gender-based violence and share the acquired knowledge with others. Have a look at Mariposa’s resources at:

Online Tools …

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

To learn more about the project …

3rd Newsletter MARIPOSA_EN

File size: 3.08 MB

Created: 26-12-2023

Updated: 26-12-2023

Download Preview

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Event – Domestic violence concerns us all

A visible sign against violence against women was set in Neulengbach.

Paul Schober (Verein GeSoB), Katharina Loisel-Thanmayer (Verein Frauenzentrum), Erwin Hayden-Hohmann (Caritas Männerberatung St. Pölten), Anna Sonnleitner (Gewaltschutzzentrum Niederösterreich), Alexander Grohs (Neustart), die beiden Organisatorinnen des Abends, Gerlinde Blemenschitz-Kramer und Michaela Schmitz, Stadträtin Maria Rigler und Vizebürgermeister Paul Mühlbauer. Foto Maria Hörmandinger

The global campaign “16 days against violence against women” takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December. In a joint initiative by several organisations, an event on the topic of violence and violence prevention was organised by Paul Schober (GeSoB association), Gerlinde Blemenschitz-Kramer and Michaela Schmitz on Friday, 24.11.2023 at 18:00 in the district office of the Red Cross Neulengbach, Rettungsgasse 1. The Lower Austria Violence Protection Centre, the St. Pölten Women’s Centre Association, the Neustart Association and the Caritas Men’s Counselling Service were also present. The aim was to raise awareness of domestic violence, a topic that is often kept quiet, and to present preventative measures.

“Our aim is to talk about domestic violence in a safe environment and to highlight possible courses of action for everyone involved,” explained Paul Schober. It is important to find out about ways out, protection and help options in order to break the spiral of violence. The experts presented current data: In 2023 alone, there were 24 suspected femicides, 40 attempted murders and serious acts of violence against women in Austria.

Look, act and help!

Civil courage and the right way to deal with signs of violence were discussed at the event. It is important to act without endangering oneself and to seek help in good time. Participants were given information on contact points such as the Lower Austrian women’s helpline and the women’s helpline against violence.

Finally, reference was made to the EU project Mariposa, which offers extensive resources for prevention work. This event in Neulengbach was intended to help raise awareness of domestic violence and promote collective solutions. Conny Poell played songs appropriate to the topic at the event.

Also present were:

Anna Sonnleitner – Lower Austria Violence Protection Centre
Katharina Loisel-Thanmayer – Association Women’s Centre St. Pölten
Alexander Grohs – NEUSTART Association – Counselling Centre for Violence Prevention
Erwin Hayden-Hohmann – Caritas Men’s Counselling Service

If there are signs of domestic violence:

Act and help
Take care to protect yourself, no unnecessary risks
Call for help, in case of danger call the police immediately
involve the surrounding area, talk to neighbours
Interrupt the violence.
Talk to those affected, point out offers of help.

Lower Austrian women’s hotline 0800 800 810
Women’s helpline against violence 0800 222 555
Police 133
Rescue 144

Link to the article in the NÖN …

To the project ‘Mariposa’ …

Photos Maria Hörmandinger

Mariposa – 2nd Newsletter

Violence against women is a deeply troubling and pervasive issue that continues to afflict our society. This multifaceted problem manifestsin various forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, and it knows no boundaries of age, race, or socioeconomic status. It shatters lives and perpetuates a cycle of suffering, one that demands our collective attention and action. Being able to spot the toxic relationships and power dynamics underlying the phenomenon of gender-based violence represents the first, necessary step to break the cycle of violence.

WHAT ARE WE AIMING FOR?

Through the Mariposa project, we offer online tools designed to support women impacted by gender-based violence in recognizing and addressing detrimental situations they may been tangled in. Our goal is to help them create personalized life plans and connect them with appropriate professional assistance. Concurrently, we seek to provide guidance to peers and advocates in promoting the empowerment of women affected by gender-based violence. This involves establishing support networks and launching initiatives to prevent and combat gender-based violence.

WHAT ACTIONS OR STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN UP TO THIS POINT?

1. Two online interactive tools that use the symbol work methodology have been designed and created:

“ME and My Resources” dedicated to aiding women who have experienced gender-based violence to identify unhealthy dynamics and seek support.

“EmpowerME”, that focuses on empowering and providingself-help for these women to set objectives and develop a future life plan.

Once the two online tools had been completed and translated, we organized pilot sessions in each partner country to test them with women impacted by gender-based violence and gathered their valuable feedback and perspectives on the instruments.

2. Subsequently, two guides were developed:

A Guide for Victim Empowernment by Peer to Peer Support, providing guidance on how to empower women who have experienced gender-based violence while giving useful advice on possible challenges and obstacles to avoid.

A Guide in Multiplication and Networking Strategies, for anyone who wants to build stable networks, plan a campaign and multiply their messages.

The tools and guides were the outcome of the collaborative efforts of all project partners, who met in March in Bucharest and in September in Palermo 2023 to discuss and exchange their experiences in testing and utilizing the tools and guides. All the resources are available in English, Spanish, Greek, Italian, French, German and Romanian.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Final events will be organized in Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania, France and Austria. Stay tuned for updates!

If you want to take part to our project or learnmore about the Mariposa resources – contact us!

To learn more about the project, you can alsovisit our Project Website …

2nd Newsletter MARIPOSA_EN

File size: 2.53 MB

Created: 20-11-2023

Updated: 20-11-2023

Download Preview

External Evaluation Services for European Projects

External evaluation and supervision is becoming increasingly important in today’s EU funded projects.
Our team of experienced professionals has a demonstrated track record of guiding projects to success.
Let’s talk about it!

Why engage an External Evaluator?

We know from our own experience that it is demanding to guide EU funded projects to success and offer you:

Guidance & Feedback on QA issues

A well planned quality assurance process is critical to success. We will accompany you, advise you on project management, and define the QA process together with you.
Save your internal resources for key tasks!

Evaluation of processes and products

We assist you in the project’s completion by keeping the quality of your processes and products in mind.
We provide you with professional evaluation tools and you focus on core tasks.

A Balanced Perspective from “outside”

A balanced perspective from specialists with extensive expertise allows you to stay focused on your aims.
If a project becomes difficult, we can assist you in resolving the challenges and get back on track.

Domain of Expertise

Diverse Target Groups

Our QA experts have dealt with diverse target groups including youth, adult learners, educators, social workers, refugees, the LGBTQ+ community, experts in women rights and many more partners in various sectors.

Broad range of Deliverables

We are professionals in establishing a competent Projekt Management system, including QA Tools. As a result, we are prepared to analyse a large portfolio of deliverables, outcomes, and products from numerous fields and sectors.

Meet Our Experts

Virág Suhajda (Ph.D)

Virág Suhajda, Ph.D. in Communication and Linguistics, has a background in International Relations, Political Science, and IT Management. Virág combines verbal brilliance with multidisciplinary expertise.
Her background includes environmentalism, youth programs, and a variety of writings on current themes.
She formerly worked as an Erasmus+ evaluator for Hungary’s National Agency. She is well known both locally and globally for her skills in project evaluation.

Paul Schober (Ph.D)

Paul Schober, Ph.D. in economics with experience in academic management, symbol coaching, nonprofit healthcare PR and accounting, brings a rich skill set. Paul is Managing Director at Hafelekar with prior lecturing roles at esteemed institutions and a portfolio of publications covering education, migration, apprenticeship, entrepreneurship, change management, and innovation, Paul is a globally acknowledged expert in Quality Management, and Quality Assurance, acting in various projects from different sectors.

Karin Lackner (M.A.)

Karin Lackner, with an M.A. in Cultural Studies from the University of Vienna, has held leadership positions at VA TECH, overseeing organizational aspects in the ‘IT & Organisation’ division. Her career spans EU project management, human resource development, and quality management at the National Agency in Austria. Karin is a project manager at Hafelekar, where she coordinates EU projects, providing expert project management and consulting to both public and private sector clients.

Rich in Experience & Expertise

Experience

Over 100 successfully executed EU projects, coordinating more than a quarter of them.

Expertise

Engaged in 50+ projects in either internal or external evaluation capacities.

Let’s get in touch –> info@gesob.at

External-Evaluation-Services-for-European-Projects

File size: 581.97 KB

Created: 18-09-2023

Updated: 18-09-2023

Download Preview

Ode to joy – 2nd Newsletter

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR?
Hello everyone and welcome back! We are happy to share with you some interesting news about the JOY project, which aims to use experience-based methodologies to involve NEETs and adult educators in a journey of self-discovery.

1ST RESULT – THE JOY MODEL

Over the past months, the Joy project’s partnership has been working on the creation of a model containing methodologies from different fields and disciplines, such as:
storytelling, dance and body work, art, work with nature and drama
. The Research on the condition of the NEETs in the various countries involved and the Guide containing a detailed description of the aforementioned methods can already be consulted and downloaded on our website. This is an essential resource, useful for all those working in the field of adult education.

TRAINING THE TRAINER – SZENTGOTTHÁRD, HUNGARY

From 8 to 12 May 2023, the partners oft he organizations met in Szentgotthárd, arural area on the border
between Austria and Hungary. Each partner presented a different methodology of the JOY model, organizing activities and reasoning on the potential impact that the approach could have on the people identified as beneficiaries of the course. Furthermore, every afternoon, all the partners and the trainers involved were introduced to the CH-Q exercise, which helped them validate their existing experiences and to call out their previous knowledge, to experience support through the awareness of these.

WHAT’S NEXT?

JOY TRAINING

In the following months, what has been learned and experienced during the training will be proposed in a training that will take place in all the cities of theproject (Budapest, Palermo, Vienna and Ueckermünde) dedicated to all those working with adults. It will be a unique opportunity to improve one’s skills and increase one’s knowledge of innovative methods in constant evolution.

TOOLKIT AND HANDBOOK

Finally, the partnership is currently working on the creation of two different tools that can be used and consulted to re-propose the activities developed by the inventors of the JOY methodology: a Toolkit and a Handbook. The Toolkit will contain all the exercises tested during the training of the trainers, while in the Handbook it will be possible to have access to interviews with important experts of the JOY model.

DO YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN JOY?

Would you like to get involved? Would you deepen the topic of the project and check the resources we are preparing for you?