Annual Report 2024: SOLWODI helped women in need

SOLWODI (= Solidarity with women in distress) is committed to improving the position of women who find themselves in dire straits, including prostitution, in their home countries or in Europe.

The initiative „Aktiv gegen Menschenhandel – aktiv für Menschenwürde in OÖ“ (Active against human trafficking - active for human dignity in Upper Austria), founded by Salvatorian Sister Maria Schlackl, celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024.

In her foreword to the current annual report, Salvatorian Sister Patricia Erber, Chairwoman of SOLWODI Austria, emphasises the importance of the initiative:

„The initiative makes a valuable contribution to raising awareness in our society. Through numerous large and small events, lectures, discussions and personal talks, it repeatedly emphasises how closely sex purchase and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation are linked.“

A particular highlight was the event ‘Buying sex promotes trafficking in women’ on 18 October 2024 in Linz, which looked back on ten eventful years of dedicated work.

SOLWODI Austria: Help for women and children in need of protection

The annual report also provides a comprehensive insight into the diverse activities of SOLWODI Austria. The organisation supports women and their children who are affected by human trafficking, sexual exploitation or violence. The aim is to stabilise those affected, strengthen their self-esteem and protect them from further violence.

Centralised services:

• A sheltered flat for women with and without children

• A counselling centre - also for former residents

• Support with reintegration, for example through German courses, work training and therapeutic care

Figures 2024 at a glance:

• 38 women sought contact with SOLWODI, a third of them from Hungary

• 16 women lived in the shelter during the year

• 6.9 women and 2.3 children were accommodated there on average during the year

• 6 women attended German courses, 6 took part in the ‘Hope for the future’ work training programme

• 5 women were referred for psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment

• 10 women moved out of the shelter in 2024, 6 of them into their own flat

New Board of Directors

The Board of Directors was newly elected at the Annual General Meeting on 4 June 2024. The current members:

• Sr. Patricia Erber SDS, Chairwoman

• Sr. Susanne Krendelsberger CS, Deputy chairwoman

• Sr. Magdalena Eichinger SpSS, Secretary

• Sr. Anna Mayrhofer, Treasurer

• Sr. Maria Michaela Roth BHS

• Sr. Bianca-Mioara Petre CJ

Sr Sigharda Leitner BHS and Sr Ingeborg Kapaun CJ were bid farewell - our heartfelt thanks go to them for their commitment!

Funding and support

The work of SOLWODI Austria is largely made possible by donations. In 2024, income totalled EUR 321,990 and expenses amounted to EUR 304,089. A subsidy from the province of Upper Austria supported the anniversary event in Linz.

Special thanks go to:

• Ordensgemeinschaften and Österreichischen Ordenskonferenz for co-financing the personnel costs

• Numerous private individuals, parishes, groups and organisations who support the association regularly or selectively

• And all those who contribute to the well-being of those affected with donations in kind

Every support counts - thank you very much!

Source: SOLWODI

More Information:

Sie können die Arbeit von SOLWODI unterstützen - SOLWODI Österreich – Solidarität mit Frauen in Not

Prostitution: Salvatorianerin Sr. Maria Schlackl fordert "Nordisches Modell"