Redesign of city center public spaces with new seating arrangements
In a significant move to combat violence against women, six benches have been installed in various city squares of Koblenz. The installation is part of the campaign "Against Violence Against Women," and was spearheaded by several local clubs, including Zonta, Soroptimists, Inner Wheel, Lions Club Sophie von Laroche, Rotary Mittelrhein, and others.
The official handover meeting for the benches was attended by a number of notable figures, including Dr. Berit Gebel-Sauer, Dr. Andreas Lukas, 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.
At the meeting, the clubs expressed their gratitude towards Dr. Andreas Lukas (head of the construction department), the municipal enterprise, the equal opportunities office, and the University of Koblenz for their support and successful collaboration on the project. The benches are equipped with a helpline number, providing a valuable resource for those in need.
The benches, painted in a symbolic orange colour, also serve as tangible information and message carriers against violence against women. The colour orange represents the worldwide action "orange your world - no violence against women." The benches offer additional resting and seating spaces, and places to linger on the city squares, providing opportunities for conversation and chat.
The installation of the benches in Koblenz city squares has gained relevance due to the rising violence against women. A recent report published by the Federal Criminal Police Office shows an increase in violent crimes against girls and women. The initiators of the project believe their action can raise awareness, prevent violence, and offer help in cases of violence against women in Koblenz.
Another bench will be placed in front of the University of Koblenz, further solidifying the campaign's presence in the city. The benches, equipped with a helpline number, serve as a visible reminder of the ongoing fight against violence against women in Koblenz.
- The campaign "Against Violence Against Women" is expanding its reach in Koblenz, with plans to place another bench in front of the University of Koblenz, encouraging a discussion on women's health and lifestyle.
- As the fight against violence against women continues, those involved in the initiative believe that the helpline numbers on the outdoor-living benches could potentially contribute to health-and-wellness improvements for women in Koblenz.
- In the realm of home-and-garden projects, the benches painted in a symbolic orange color stand out, not just as resting spots but also as vibrant signifiers of the effort to promote a positive lifestyle, alongside the battle against gender-based violence in Koblenz.
