Awareness in Action: Collective Accountability and Change with AwA*

In this podcast, WAVE voices are amplified to give insight on topics such as sexualised violence, online violence, femicides, violence against women with disabilities, youth activism, important legislation such as the Istanbul Convention, and more to highlight the different forms and dimensions of violence against women and girls.

The term „awareness“ has often been co-opted, with awareness-raising campaigns presented as the cornerstone of prevention efforts, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness in preventing violence against women—especially when they are not followed by political commitment, increased action, and the inclusion of women’s specialist services and feminist civil society organizations in tackling the root causes of gender-based violence. Without accountability and concrete action, what does awareness truly mean?

For AwA* (/ˈaː.va ˈʃtɛrn/ AH-vah Shtern), true awareness is about understanding the structural issues that perpetuate violence and discrimination. It requires real accountability and transformative change within our communities.

In this episode, we explore the work of AwA* (short for awareness), a Vienna-based collective of women, trans, queer, and intersex people, committed to creating a community of support, solidarity, and accountability. AwA* focuses on fostering inclusive spaces through educational initiatives, consulting with groups and institutions, and providing event support.

We will hear from Tinou, Clau and Katharina as they discuss how their awareness work is rooted in community-based support structures and how true awareness is about collective responsibility and fostering real change.

Dive into awareness work with Clau and Katharina, and join their online workshop (English) on the 22nd of January 2025.

Register here: https://awa-stern.info/osterreich-workshops-24/ 

About:

Tinou (they/them) is a founding member of AwA* and has been dealing with topics of (sex & gender-based) discrimination and awareness for over 15 years. Regarding organised awareness work Tinou specifically works on concepts of support structures, standards of awareness work, educational trainings, and takes part in networking.

Clau (they/them) has worked with AwA* for the past three years. Clau takes part in the creation and facilitation of educational material and workshops, and they are team coordinator in the “Awareness in the public space“ project. 

Katharina (she/they) is part of AwA* collective and is responsible for administration and for coordinating communication within the collective. Katharina also supports with awareness shifts and workshops.

Links:

created and developed by Tinou, Clau, Katharina and Beverly Mtui

produced and edited by Beverly Mtui, WAVE Communications Coordinator

WAVE Network: Website, Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or opinion/position of Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE).