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Vorarlberg Women’s Prize goes to Sprickler-Falschlunger

Gabi Sprickler-Falschlunger (center) with Provincial Councillor Martina Rüscher (left) and Provincial Councillor Katharina Wiesflecker (right).

(Bild: ALEXANDRA_SERRA)

Former SPÖ regional party chairwoman Gabriele Sprickler-Falschlunger was honored on Monday evening in Götzis with the first-ever "Vorarlberg Women's Prize". 

"It is high time to bring women in front of the curtain with such an award and make their achievements visible," said State Councillor Katharina Wiesflecker (Greens) at the award ceremony as part of the state's traditional women's reception. Equality can only succeed if women are actively recognized. "They are pioneers and fighters who courageously stand up for the issues and can be role models for other women," emphasized the state councillor. 41 women were nominated for the award, who are involved in a wide variety of areas.

Sprickler-Falschlunger had already fearlessly stood up for women's interests at a time when the mood in Vorarlberg was less open with regard to these issues, the jury explained their choice. As a member of the state parliament, she had always taken a clear stance, for example when denouncing the unequal pay of women and men. She had also done pioneering work in her civil profession as a doctor - as co-founder of the Women's Health Center and doctor in the women's emergency home as well as the first female general practitioner in Dornbirn.

Prize money donated
Wiesflecker also emphasized the continuing need for action in women's policy. "Although women today are more highly educated, better trained and more present in public, we are still dealing with the same issues - unequal pay, female poverty in old age and the fair distribution of care work," she said. It is important to persevere with these issues. Sprickler-Falschlunger donated the prize money of 4000 euros to charity.