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Sensational night with around 800 guests from politics, business, science and funding.

Vienna (OTS) – To mark the 30th anniversary of ABZ*AUSTRIA, the 1st Austrian Equal Opportunities Ball took place on Friday evening in the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna’s Herrengasse. Around 800 guests from politics, business, science and funding came to the ball organized by the NPO ABZ*AUSTRIA. Among them the Vice Mayor of Vienna Kathrin Gaál, economist Margit Schratzenstaller from WIFO, the Vice President of the IV, Sabine Herlitschka, the AK Presidents Renate Anderl and Bernhard Heinzle, the Deputy Director of the WKW, Alexander Biach, and AMS Board Member Johannes Kopf. “So many have come, I’m overwhelmed,” said ABZ*AUSTRIA Managing Director Manuela Vollmann, welcoming the guests. “There are so many clients, network partners, allies from business, politics and science here who support us and make our work possible.” Her co-managing director Daniela Schallert paid tribute to the ABZ*AUSTRIA employees in four federal states, many of them were present at the festival: “A big thank you for your tireless daily commitment to equality!”

Advisor and motivator Doris Schmidauer took on the honorary protection of the ball. In her opening speech, she praised ABZ*AUSTRIA: “Over the past 30 years – or almost 31 years – ABZ*AUSTRIA has succeeded in becoming a very important institution for equality here in Austria. The employees never tire of campaigning for equality. And that is also necessary, because the challenges in this area are still great: violence once morest women and girls, the lack of childcare places and the associated poorer job opportunities for women and the looming poverty trap. These are just a few issues that need our attention. I am therefore very happy that there are people and organizations who are working with their sleeves rolled up and full of energy on the construction sites in the area of ​​equality – like ABZ* AUSTRIA!”

ABZ*AUSTRIA has been committed to a fair distribution of work and income for 30 years. “There is still a lot to do and it is important for us to send a strong signal for equality with this ball,” says Manuela Vollmann. “The daily equality work requires persistence and staying power. Today we can and should dance and celebrate and focus on the topic in a completely different way,” added Daniela Schallert.

As moderator, Mari Lang entertained the evening and raffled the main prizes of the raffle. Including a luxury hotel voucher and beautiful jewellery.

Artistic program

The artistic supporting program was diverse. The concerts by Milagros Piñera, the Wiener Tanzfreunde and the Viennese Ladies were very well received. Light projection artist Julia Zdarsky alias starsky showed a shadow toy under the motto “Dance the world equal to you”. Stefanie Sargnagel’s reading from her diary was well received, Roxana Vossough danced a classic Indian temple dance and Djane’s Countessa, Crystal O and Mel Merio created a good atmosphere.

Many company representatives also celebrated – allies for equality – including managers from ASFINAG, ÖBB, Ikea, Hafen Wien, but also from social enterprises such as BBRZ, Caritas, Promente and many more.

The remainder of the evening can be summed up in a nutshell as a “roaring party”. There was dancing in the disco and in the main hall until almost 3 a.m. “A very special evening for equality,” everyone agreed. Perhaps Manuela Vollmann’s wish will come true: “We think this wonderful city, this wonderful country needs an equality ball. We came up with this idea and organized the first ball with a lot of passion and commitment. Unfortunately, as an NPO, it is not possible for us to repeat the event. Hence the question for all of you: who wants to take over the equality ball? We are very happy if this idea is taken up and pursued, we look forward to hearing from you!”

We would like to thank all sponsors and cooperation partners who made this event possible:

Questions & contact:

DI (FH) Ulrike Biberschick, Corporate Communications, ABZ*AUSTRIA – Competent for women and business
ulrike.biberschick@abz-austria.at, Tel.++43 689 050 64 07