Do you have what it takes to be an honorary citizen? A cultural initiative aims to increase the number of women honored

Vienna has made 161 people honorary citizens since the 18th century - four of them women: Rosa Jochmann, Hertha Firnberg, Gertrude Fröhlich-Sandner, Maria Schaumayer. In the same period, the city of Salzburg has bestowed this honorary distinction on 89 citizens - one of whom is a woman. These figures reflect the nationwide quota of women among honorary citizens. The feminist cultural association FIFTITU% has therefore set out in search of honorary citizens. "According to our research, the proportion of women among honorary citizens in Upper Austria is five percent. When women were honored, it was for their achievements in politics or business. However, we find that women make extraordinary efforts in other areas such as art and culture and in important socio-political and social issues. This is still not recognized accordingly," says project manager Simone Boria and adds: "Honorary citizenship means making special achievements visible. The fundamental aim of this campaign is to strengthen the public presence of women and to challenge male dominance in positions of honor. We are also concerned with transforming and redefining the regional meaning of the term 'honorary citizen'."
The FIFTITU% association is therefore asking the question: "Do you have what it takes to be an honorary citizen?" With the demand: "No more false modesty! Nominate an honorary citizen now!" Anyone who knows a fellow citizen who deserves the title of honorary citizen should bring this suggestion to the relevant municipal or city office and also send it to the FIFTITU% association (Harrachstraße 28, 4020 Linz or fiftitu[at]servus.at). The names will be documented by the association.
On International Women's Day 2011, portraits of nominated and appointed women will be presented in an exhibition as a "Gallery of Honorary Citizens". Ma

Hertha Firnberg, former SPÖ Science Minister, is one of four honorary citizens of the City of Vienna. These are compared to 157 honorary citizens

Written by Andrea Mann

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