08/05/2025
On May 6th, 2025, over 60 students, professors, and members of the international community came together for an important panel discussion on The Architecture of Inequality: Violence Against Women and Global Systems.
Organized by Students Advocating for Gender Equality (SAGE) and the Diplomatic Ball Committee, the panel explored how systemic inequalities contribute to violence against women and girls. Here in the European Union, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or threats in adulthood. This stark reality reinforces the urgency of dismantling the systems that sustain violence.
The panelists shared valuable, tangible actions we can all take to drive change at both the local and international levels. One key message was the importance of challenging everyday sexism, as it plays a significant role in maintaining the inequalities that enable violence. By not tolerating such behaviour in our daily lives, we can all help dismantle the structures that allow violence to persist.
We were also proud to share at the panel that the Diplomatic Ball Committee raised €15,000 to support Autonome Österreichische Frauenhäuser AÖF (Austria’s leading network of women’s shelters) and its vital work with survivors of gender-based violence 👏👏👏
We were joined by a distinguished panel, including:
- Ms. Martina Knoll, Head of Information Centre against Violence, AÖF
- Ms. Helene Gressenbauer-Rösner, President of UN Women Austria
- Ms. Diren Helin Herlbauer, Gender Specialist, UNODC
- Ms. Katharina Fürnkranz, Gender Associate, UNIDO
- Moderated by Dr. Vanessa Gauthier Vela, Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this vital conversation. Together, we can create lasting change and work toward a world where violence against women is no longer tolerated.
📸 Pictures by Mariam Gavashelishvili