Women’s officials seek nationwide walk-home phone service

Women’s affairs officials from across Austria have called for a nationwide phone service to accompany people who feel unsafe on their way home. The demand was among the issues discussed at their annual conference in Frauenkirchen, reported ORF.

The officials unanimously backed the proposal, put forward by Salzburg’s state councillor for women’s affairs, Daniela Gutschi. She said women should be able to call while walking home from an event or a visit with friends and stay on the phone until they arrive safely.

Digital violence against women, including abuse enabled by artificial intelligence, was another major topic. Manuela Khom, Styria’s deputy governor, said criminal law must clearly address it. She warned that photos can be turned into sexual images in two clicks and that smart glasses can be used to film people secretly and expose them. She said such acts attack people’s personality and dignity, not only those of women.

The conference also discussed gender medicine, an issue raised by Burgenland. State councillor Daniela Winkler said symptoms can differ between men and women, research has developed unevenly, and medicines can affect them differently. She said awareness, training and research should be improved.