Mariahilf launches 12 days of women-focused events

Vienna’s Mariahilf district began 12 days of free workshops, concerts and readings on Monday, with the programme aimed at making women’s issues more visible, ORF reported.

Events are taking place at various locations in the district under the motto “By women, for women”. The programme ranges from Japanese bookbinding and belly-dancing training to workshops on recognising partner violence and civic courage.

The opening event at the district administration’s assembly hall featured an exhibition and art performance by Mahdiyeh Seifi, titled “Resonance – Translating music into form”. It brings together music, visual art and shared experiences, with creative work and encounters at its centre.

Other events include workshops on voice training, women’s health, self-care and civic courage, as well as concerts, a storytelling café and literary readings. Workshops are reserved for women and girls; men are welcome at the other events.

The programme concludes with a concert by Naama Isabelle Fassbinder and Elias Meiri, featuring French chansons by artists including Charles Aznavour, Édith Piaf and ZAZ, as well as songs by Jacques Brel, Dalida, Jean Ferrat and Charles Trenet.

Fassbinder comes from a multinational family of artists and has a particular interest in French culture, language and music. Meiri began playing piano at the age of four and took first place in an international jazz piano competition in Poland.