Awareness is a term we hear often, especially in discussions around gender-based violence. But what does it really mean? Too often, “awareness-raising” is touted as a solution to systemic issues without the political commitment, action, and inclusion of feminist organisations needed to create meaningful change. Without accountability, awareness becomes a hollow gesture.
For AwA* (/ˈaː.va ˈʃtɛrn/ AH-vah Shtern), a Vienna-based collective of women, trans, queer, and intersex people, true awareness is transformative. It requires recognising the structural issues that perpetuate violence and discrimination and fostering real accountability within communities. AwA* works to create a community of support, solidarity, and accountability through educational initiatives, consulting, and event support.
In an episode of the WAVE podcast within the frame of the 16 Days of Activism 2024, we meet Tinou, Clau, and Katharina—members of the AwA* collective. Together, they discuss how awareness work extends beyond individual incidents of discrimination and violence to address systemic issues at their root. Katharina explains: “We have to look at the context of the society, the communities, and the structures in which gender-based violence takes place, and we have to take collective responsibility to change these structures.”
This perspective is at the heart of AwA*’s mission to shift the focus away from interpersonal incidents and toward collective action against violence and discrimination. Katharina continues: “This also applies to other forms of violence and discrimination. The same goes for racism, queerphobia, and ableism, where it’s always individualised, and there’s not enough discourse about how we, as a society, can take collective action to prevent these forms of violence.”
One of AwA*’s key strategies is the use of awareness teams, which directly support people affected by discrimination, violence, or other overwhelming experiences. Tinou elaborates: “Awareness teams are specifically qualified and educated on different kinds of discrimination, as well as practical and ethical principles. They can help create a safer space, stop the harm from happening, or deal with triggers together, always ensuring the affected person is not alone. There’s always a consequence and accountability.”
One of AwA*’s key strategies is the use of awareness teams, which directly support people affected by discrimination, violence, or other overwhelming experiences. Tinou elaborates: “Awareness teams are specifically qualified and educated on different kinds of discrimination, as well as practical and ethical principles. They can help create a safer space, stop the harm from happening, or deal with triggers together, always ensuring the affected person is not alone. There’s always a consequence and accountability.”
This episode challenges us to rethink what true awareness means and inspires us to take collective action to create safer, more inclusive communities.
Through their work, AwA* fosters inclusive spaces and provides practical tools for creating safer communities. Their upcoming online workshop, held on 22 January 2025, invites participants to dive deeper into the principles and practices of awareness work.
Join the conversation and learn more about the transformative power of collective responsibility and accountability.
- Register for AwA*’s online workshop (English): https://awa-stern.info/osterreich-workshops-24/
- Visit the AwA* website.
- Explore the Awareness Institute.
- Learn about the Minimum Standards of Awareness Work (English).
- Learn about the Minimum Standards of Awareness Work (German).
Featured image (cover) via Canva
