How can we recognise violence, support those affected and prevent the abuse of power? The Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) is addressing these and other questions as part of Orange Days 2026. From 15 November to 10 December, the HSNR, together with various partners, is offering a programme of readings, lectures and panel discussions. The focus is on digital violence, gender-based violence, abuse of power and specific support services. The aim is to raise awareness of different forms of violence, provide guidance on how to respond, and encourage dialogue.
Orange Days link the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November with International Human Rights Day on 10 December. The HSNR is once again taking part in this global campaign. All events are free of charge, are open to people of all genders and some will take place in a hybrid format. An overview of the programme and registration details can be found at: www.hsnr.de/orangedays
“Violence is not a private matter. It affects safety and participation, including at our university. Through the Orange Days, we provide information, build confidence in taking action and highlight support services. I invite anyone interested to come along, ask questions and join us in sending a message,” says Dr Sandra Laumen, Equal Opportunities Officer at the HSNR.
Five events on different forms of violence
The series kicks off on 15 November with a reading by Berlin-based lawyer Christina Clemm. Under the title “An Indignant Plea”, she will provide insights into her many years of work supporting victims of gender-based violence and shed light on the social structures that facilitate violence. The event will take place at 7.00 pm (doors open at 6.30 pm) at the L64 Education and Training Centre run by the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) in Mönchengladbach-Rheydt. It is organised in collaboration with the Orange Mönchengladbach initiative.
On 19 November, to mark International Men’s Day, the focus will be on masculinity, responsibility and equality. Patrick van Lier will read from his book *What We Men Really Lose*. The event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm in the main auditorium V2 at the HSNR, Webschulstraße 41–43, Mönchengladbach. The event is organised in partnership with the City of Mönchengladbach’s Equality Office. Registration is open until 17 November via 02161 25 3611 or gleichstellungsstelle(at)moenchengladbach.de.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, 25 November, the focus will be on digital violence. Under the title ‘From dick pics to deepfakes – recognising digital violence and taking action’, experts from HateAid and the Mönchengladbach Police will explain the different forms of digital violence and the options available to those affected. The event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm (doors open at 4 pm) in the main auditorium V2 (Webschulstraße 41–43) at the HSNR in Mönchengladbach, as well as online via Zoom. Short films made by students on the topic of violence will complement the programme before and after the event. The event is organised in collaboration with the City of Mönchengladbach’s Equality Office and the Mönchengladbach Police.
How can abuse of power at universities be recognised and prevented? This question is the focus of the event ‘Power, Responsibility and Gender – Preventing Abuse of Power’ on 3 December. Martina Lörsch from the Legal Advice Centre on Abuse of Power at Universities will explain, from 5 pm to 7 pm, how abuse of power arises and what options are available to counteract it. Afterwards, experts will discuss specific approaches to prevention. The event will take place in room ZE34 (Richard-Wagner-Straße 101) on the HSNR’s Mönchengladbach campus. Digital participation via Zoom is also possible. The event is being held in cooperation with the HSNR’s Support Office for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity.
The Orange Days will conclude on 10 December with the event ‘When violence is experienced – securing evidence, anonymously and confidentially’. Specialist doctor Christine McTaggart will explain how injuries resulting from violence can be medically documented and evidence secured without those affected having to report the incident to the police immediately. Experts from hospitals and the police will then discuss the topic. The event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm in the main auditorium V1 (Webschulstraße 41–43) at the HSNR. Doors open at 4.30 pm. The event is organised in partnership with the City of Mönchengladbach’s Equality Office and the Mönchengladbach Police.
A visible symbol on the campus too
In addition to the programme of events, The Hochschule Niederrhein is also drawing attention to the Orange Days in public spaces: during the campaign period, the university’s orange flag will be flown at all campus locations. Furthermore, the university logo at the Mönchengladbach campus will be illuminated in orange.
