On November 25, the International Day “NO to violence against women”, the Ribingurumu is packed with people when the student organization Querfeldein opens the panel conversation in a cozy livingroom atmosphere.

The guests are: Marie Kaltenbach from the association „Sisters – for the Exit from Prostitution“ and Sarah Kim from the campaign #ichbinkeinfreier (#I’m not a John).

Following the opening questions from the host, both explain why they are fighting for the abolition of prostitution and an introduction of the so called “Nordic Model” in which the purchase of sex is prohibited, while prostitutes are being decriminalised. In the model, those buying sex are punished and may even risk a prison sentence. Sarah Kim and Marie Kaltenbach provide much information, which they have gained through their work with women in prostitution who want to exit from that violence-driven market.

In Germany, between 200,000 and 1 million prostitutes are on the prostitution market , 95% of them come from poor, Eastern European countries. Many of them do not speak German and are in a predicament which forces them into this activity. Their work often causes traumas that are similar to those of war or torture survivors. Every day, 1.2 million men make use of prostitutes – their longing for “fresh meat” fuels the trafficking of women through Germany and the practices of customers become more and more uninhibited and violent.

Supported by video clips based on real statements from prostitution survivors, they paint a vivid picture of a reality infused with violence, that many viewers have never observed before. Many people in the audience experience eye-opening moments: They say that they have had other ideas or concepts about it before, but now they are in favour of the “Nordic Model”.

On 25 November, the international day „NEIN to violence against women“ Zonta raises awareness at the Museum Cinema. The cinema’s facade and Zonta representatives are dressed in orange to mark the occasion.

At the cinema, they attend the screening of „For a Happy Life“, a film about a forced marriage of young migrants in Belgium – he is from Pakistan, she is from Algeria – who fight for their right to decide over their love and relationship.

Sandra Stopper from TERRE DES FEMMES introduces sociologist and women‘s rights activist Necla Kelek. Necla is founder of the “Initiative säkularer Islam – Initiative for a Secular Islam” and board member of TERRE DES FEMMES.

She reads from her latest book: „Die unheilige Familie – Wie die islamische Tradition Frauen und Kinder entrechtet - The Unholy Family – How Islamic Tradition Deprives Women and Children of their rights“. She also explains how islamic family tradition inhibit that women can exercise basic rights and how Muslim men are also victims of power structures. She demands a new political approach in order to enable real integration and avoid the emergence of parallel societies. Subsequently, a lively discussion with the audience takes place. The Oberer Museumssaal at the event by the bookstore Osiander was filled to the last seat.