We raise an orange flag against gender-based violence

On November 25, BOKU University will once again be flying the orange flag to raise awareness of sexual discrimination and violence.

The flag will fly at BOKU throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Where: Türkenschanze in front of the Wilhelm Exner House

 

This is a joint event with UN Women Austria.

 

Instead of an in‑person event, this year we are focusing on an online campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, provide information, and share important facts.**

The UN Campaign “Orange The World”

The UN campaign “Orange The World” takes place annually between November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and December 10, the International Human Rights Day.

Why the color orange?

The color orange stands for a future free of violence. It was chosen by UN Women to symbolize hope and solidarity in the fight against gender‑based violence. During the 16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 – Dec 10), buildings around the world are lit up in orange or flags are raised.

Worldwide:

  • 1 in 3 women experiences physical, psychological, or sexual violence during her lifetime.
  • 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone practices of genital mutilation.
  • 250 million women were married before the age of 15. Source: UN Women Austria

Austria:

  • 34.5% of women (ages 18–74) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
  • 23.75% experienced sexual violence from the age of 15.
  • 26.59% were sexually harassed at the workplace.
  • 21.88% were affected by stalking.
  • 15.25% experienced threats of physical violence. Source: Statistics Austria 2021

Visualized, this means: In Austria, 1,119,934 women are affected by violence. Source: UN Women Austria

Lack of shelter places:

According to the Istanbul Convention, Austria needs 890 emergency beds for victims of violence. In reality, there are only 766 beds – meaning more than 100 places are missing for women and children in acute danger situations. Source: UN Women Austria

BOKU as a campaign partner:

BOKU actively participates in “Orange The World” and is committed to creating a violence‑free environment in education, university culture, and society.

Measures & strategies at BOKU:

  • Flag raising instead of lighting: For sustainability reasons, BOKU refrains from light installations and instead raises an orange flag as a clear sign.
  • Diversity strategy: Anchoring sustainable equality work and securing target agreements on the issue of violence in the university context.
  • Awareness Days: Raising awareness through events, workshops, and activities, with a focus on the structural dimensions of violence.
  • Cooperation with external partners such as UN Women Austria.
  • Signatory of the Call for Action to End Gender‑Based Violence.

This year’s event within “Orange The World” & Awareness Days:

Event with Dr. Bontu Guschke & Gender Platform

  • Title: “Who Gets to Feel Safe? Who Gets to Speak Up?”
  • Date: November 27, 2025
  • Time: 13:00–14:30
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Content: Dr. Bontu Lucie Guschke will speak about the intersection of sexism and racism in the university context and highlight ways to make discrimination visible and combat it.
  • Moderation: Josephine Apraku
  • Accessibility: Live transcription into German will be available.

More information: Online lecture – Who Gets to Feel Safe? Who Gets to Speak Up?