Dance demo in the North - can a flash mob make a difference? - Northern Germany joins global dance protest against violence toward women and girls

On February 14, northern Germany will join a global movement against violence toward women and girls. One Billion Rising, an annual dance demonstration, will see participants gather in around 30 locations across the region. The event combines public protest with online activism to highlight an issue affecting nearly one in three women worldwide.

The campaign began in 2012, launched by U.S. artist and feminist Eve Ensler. Each year on Valentine's Day, flash mobs take place in over 200 countries, including Germany, where 160 cities have participated in the past. In Berlin, thousands gather at the Brandenburg Gate, often supported by public figures like Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig.

This year, Rostock will host one of the demonstrations. Around 50 dancers are expected to perform Break the Chain by Tena Clark, following a simple four-and-a-half-minute choreography. Anyone can join spontaneously, with no prior registration needed. Participants are also encouraged to film themselves dancing to Women on Fire, the campaign's official song, for a worldwide video collage.

The movement builds on the momentum of online activism, like the #MeToo campaign, which exposed widespread sexual violence. Yet organisers stress that physical gatherings remain vital. Public solidarity, they argue, creates a stronger sense of community than digital protests alone. Social media helps unite people globally but also carries risks, such as exploitation by far-right groups.

One Billion Rising aims to expose violence and push for better prevention. The campaign's name reflects a UN statistic: nearly one billion women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. With events across northern Germany, organisers hope to keep the issue visible—and the conversation alive.