The GeSoB – Society for Social Research – introduces a new, hands-on guide designed for trainers, social workers, and other professionals who support parents in their journey.
The guide integrates methods from positive psychology, storytelling, theatre pedagogy, and symbolic work. It aims to equip professionals with tools to help parents reflect on their challenges, activate resources, and embrace their parenting roles with confidence. The exercises focus on fostering essential soft skills like self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience – key factors in empowering parents and, ultimately, entire families.
In a time when many young people face uncertainties and societal pressures, “Becoming Parents” provides valuable approaches to support them in embracing parenthood.
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
Lisa Köhler und Andrea WestermayerFrauen ReigenModeration Christa BergerGEHsprächeStadtgreisslerei BrutschyFührung Hedy FohringerFührung Hedy FohringerHedy Fohringer, Paul Schober, Michaela Schmitz, Maria Rigler
Michaela Schmitz, Christa Berger, Paul Schober, Foto Monika Dietl, NÖN
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!
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
Michaela Schmitz, Christa Berger, Paul Schober, Foto Monika Dietl, NÖN
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
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!
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
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!
Empowerment and networking in the regional economy
In March 2024, the Elsbeere Wienerwald LEADER region is all about women. The “Women’s Power in the Vienna Woods” project aims to strengthen women in the regional economy and create a strong network. Through a combination of regional public relations work and various thematic events, we want to make women in the economy more visible and emphasise their role in regional development.
A central element of the project is a comprehensive regional media campaign. We plan to share key content via social media, regional newspapers and other channels. This campaign will raise awareness of the diversity of women’s roles in business and promote the various events and activities organised as part of the project. In addition, four short portraits of women will be created, highlighting the individual experiences and successes of women in the regional economy. These portraits will form part of the media campaign and highlight the personal stories of these women.
At the heart of the project are four in-house events that have been specially designed to network and promote women in business.
Events of the GeSoB association:
Thursday, 29.02.2024 – Opening Event “Women’s Circle ‘We Have Stories to Tell'” – Women’s Power in the Wienerwald, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Town Hall Hall, hosted by Christa Berger, followed by networking opportunities and a small buffet
Friday, 08.03.2024, International Women’s Day – Walking Talks from 1:30 PM to approximately 6:00 PM – we visit entrepreneurs in the center of Neulengbach (who’s joining?). Meeting point at 1:30 PM: SpeiseLokal, Wienerstraße 25, 3040 Neulengbach
Sunday, 17.03.2024, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Tour with Hedy Fohringer “Strong Women in Neulengbach – Past and Present”, Meeting point: Kirchenplatz 2, 3040 Neulengbach, tour (through the center of Neulengbach) free of charge
Wednesday, 20.03.2024, 7:30 PM – The film ‘The Conductor’ — A collaboration with EU XXL The Series and Theaterei Entertainment, Location: Theaterei, Hauptstraße 5, 3051 St. Christophen, free admission
An important part of the project is the creation of a calendar of events that will enable other local initiatives to advertise their events during Women’s Month in March 2024. Cooperation with Aktive Wirtschaft Neulengbach, local initiatives and the municipality of Neulengbach is essential to ensure broad support. There is also a particular focus on the use of vacancies in the centre of Neulengbach in order to revitalise the local economy and draw attention to these resources.
Planned external events as part of the Women’s Power in the Vienna Woods project can be found here:
“Frauen-Power im Wienerwald” is more than just a project. It is a movement that aims to empower women in business, share their stories and create a supportive community where women can succeed in all areas of the economy. As such, the project fits perfectly into Action Field 1 “Increasing added value” of the LEADER region Elsbeere Wienerwald and contributes significantly to the promotion of women in the regional economy.
Project organiser: Association for Social Research and Education, Neulengbach
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
