Fighters for sexual self-determination: The Rain Workers” in action!

Fighters for sexual self-determination: The Rain Workers” in action!

In Vienna, the association “The Rain Workers” has been committed to sexual health and reproductive rights for over 35 years. The organization was founded in 1989 by the Lower Austrian gynecologist Maria Hengsberger, originally under the name “Aktion Regen”. The impetus for the founding came from a frightening encounter in Ethiopia, where a woman almost died due to an unsafe abortion. This event makes the association fight for education and humane treatment of women to this day. How on meinkreis.at reports, the name “The Rain Workers” symbolizes the passing on of knowledge in the affected communities.

The organization specializes primarily in training local professionals in several African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda. The aim is to educate women about the topics of menstruation, contraception, safe motherhood and women's rights. The training courses are carried out in the respective national language and by local trainers. This approach demonstrates The Rain Workers' commitment to cultural sensitivity and fostering peer-to-peer partnerships. In Vienna, the association has its office on Mariahilfer Straße, from where project management is coordinated, supported by a small mobile team and five part-time employees.

Financing and challenges

This important work is financed through donations, government funding, including from the City of Vienna, and voluntary work. Nevertheless, the association faces challenges: the constant search for financial resources and the political and religious controversies surrounding human rights in project countries make progress difficult. In addition, the mission of the “Rain Workers” is more relevant than ever, as education can often save lives.

But what does sexual and reproductive health actually mean? According to information from bmz.de This includes various aspects such as the right to a fulfilling and safe sexual life, access to effective family planning methods and appropriate health services during pregnancy and childbirth. These rights are essential so that every woman can make self-determined decisions about her reproduction.

Global commitment

The situation of women suffering from violence or trapped in disadvantageous living situations is alarming. According to estimates, over 200 million women are women'srights.de affected by female genital mutilation, and one in three women worldwide is a victim of domestic violence. These worrying statistics show the importance of the work of organizations like The Rain Workers that advocate for women's rights and health.

With the annual “Clit Walk” event, the association sets an example against gender-specific violence and to raise society's awareness of women's rights. Despite the difficulties, the message remains clear: education and enlightenment are the key to strengthening women's rights and improving the quality of life in the affected communities. The commitment of “The Rain Workers” is a ray of hope for many women who need support.