Bottrop's One Billion Rising Protest Demands Justice for Women and Girls
For the eleventh year running, activists in Bottrop gathered on the international day of action (February 14, 2026) to take a stand against violence toward women and girls. Despite freezing temperatures and light snowfall, 80 participants came together at Ernst-Wilczok-Platz, using their involvement in One Billion Rising—a global dance protest—to voice their opposition to gender-based violence.
The event, part of a worldwide campaign, was organized by the women's center Courage to highlight the persistent lack of attention and protection for women and girls facing male violence.
Joining the demonstration were Bottrop's Lord Mayor Matthias Buschfeld, School and Social Affairs Councilor Karen Alexius-Eifert, Equal Opportunities Officer Susanne Lehmann, representatives from politics and local government, staff from various social institutions, and many other supporters.
"Dancing is our way of showing solidarity with survivors," said Susanne Lehmann, the city's equal opportunities officer. "It's meant to be empowering—a sign that we're ready to stand up against violence toward women and girls and that we stand beside them."
This year's theme, "Ni una menos – Women on fire," drew particular attention to femicide, often committed by current or former partners. A comparison with legal and social progress in Spain underscored how much work remains in Germany to improve protections against gender-based violence.
The event featured live music by the band A Mournful Experience, who performed soulful guitar pieces and vocals despite the cold. The dance choreography to "Break the Chain"—a staple of Bottrop's One Billion Rising actions—was led by Peter Frank Dance School, which has supported the event since 2016.
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