Bernau is dancing against violence against women on February 14th – join in now!

Bernau is dancing against violence against women on February 14th – join in now!

On February 14, 2026, a special day of action on the topic of violence against women and girls will be celebrated in Bernau. Every year, this international day reminds us of the challenges and problems that many women face. For this occasion, Bernau is taking part in the global “One Billion Rising” campaign for the first time. This initiative, launched in 2012 by author Eve Ensler, aims to take a global stand against violence through a protest dance in public places. According to barnim-aktuell.de, the dance event will take place on the market square in Bernau with the campaign song “Ni una menos – Women on Fire” at 10 a.m. for 15 minutes.

What does “One Billion Rising” mean exactly? The name is an alarming statistic: it is estimated that around one billion women and girls worldwide experience violence. Not only individuals but also local dance clubs are invited to the dance campaign to send a strong signal of solidarity. A dance coach will introduce the participants to the choreography, and those responsible are hoping for a high level of participation.

Taking a stand against femicide

The entire campaign is not only supported by the city of Bernau, but is also part of the resolution passed by the city council in 2022: “Bernau is taking a stand against femicides”. This decision was no coincidence, as a tragic incident in 2020, in which a woman from Bernau was murdered by her ex-husband, brought the issue of violence against women into the public spotlight. Fanny Behr, Bernau's equal opportunities officer, emphasizes the importance of visibility for this topic.

To raise additional awareness, further actions will be planned around November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This includes raising flags on the station forecourt and information posters in women's toilets. There is also an advice center in the New Town Hall that offers information about help options for affected women. An important point of contact is the helpline on the emergency number 116 016.

Statistics and demands

According to onebillionrising.de, the campaign also aims to educate about the causes and consequences of violence against women. In Germany alone, around 360 women were victims of fatal violence in 2023, while the majority of perpetrators are men - a worrying circumstance that raises clear calls for prevention work. These include, among other things, empathy training in schools, protective facilities for women and the reduction of role stereotypes. This is crucial to finally end patriarchal violence.

The One Billion Rising initiative is mobilizing people around the world to protest against this violence. Over 159 locations in Germany, including large cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, are on the list of participating cities. People are invited to connect on social media and show their solidarity.

In Bernau, the campaign is part of the federal program “Living Democracy”, which actively supports and promotes the prevention of violence. Ladies Night, an infotainment evening for women, will also continue to take place and offers a platform for education and networking.

Together, society can make a difference. Let yourself be infected by the message of the dance and come to Bernau on February 14th to send a powerful signal against violence against women.