Redesigning Central Plazas with New Seating Arrangements
In the heart of Koblenz, a series of distinctive orange benches have been installed as part of the global action "orange your world - no violence against women". These benches, serving as both resting spots and symbols of solidarity, are part of a local campaign "Against Violence Against Women".
The benches, equipped with a helpline number, provide additional seating opportunities and gathering places on the city squares. They also serve as tangible information and message carriers within the campaign. One of these benches will be placed in front of the University of Koblenz, joining the existing six benches already installed across the city.
The installation of these benches has gained relevance due to the increase in violent crimes against girls and women, as reported by the Federal Criminal Police Office. The project was advocated for by various local organisations, including Zonta, Soroptimists, Inner Wheel, Lions Club Sophie von Laroche, and Rotary Mittelrhein.
The official handover meeting, held recently, thanked several key collaborators for their support and successful collaboration on the project. These included Dr. Andreas Lukas, the municipal enterprise, the equal opportunities office of the City of Koblenz, the University of Koblenz, and numerous individuals such as Dr. Berit Gebel-Sauer, Gitta Kohnz, Klaus Bücklein, Dr. Beate Reifenscheid, Kim Theisen, Anne Quander, Prof. Dr. Karl Stoffel, Saskia Scherhag-König, Dr. Margit Theis-Scholz, Petra Assenmacher, Iris Kovac-Laue, Verena Wiedenhues, Christine mOhr, Dr. Dorothea Wagner, Christa Kröber, Meike Baumann, and Alice Berweiler-Kaufmann.
While the specific details about the use of these benches as a platform for prevention and support for women affected by violence were not provided, the benches continue to stand as a visible reminder of the ongoing commitment to combat violence against women in Koblenz.
The benches, equipped with a helpline number, not only offer additional seating and gathering spaces but also serve as tangible information and message carriers within the campaign for women's health and wellness. As part of the expansive health-and-science landscape at the University of Koblenz, one of these benches will soon become a symbol of solidarity in the fight against violence against women.
