REWE International AG and the queer employee network di.to. ("different together"), which has existed since 2017, are setting a shining example of diversity and cohesion with the "Pink X-Mas" event on November 30 to mark World AIDS Day. This special collaboration stands for colorful togetherness at Christmas time and for the fight against prejudice and exclusion. All proceeds from the event will be donated to AIDS Hilfe Wien. "World AIDS Day is an annual call for togetherness without prejudice and exclusion. We want to make a contribution here," says Marcel Haraszti, CEO of REWE International AG, explaining the background to Pink X-Mas. "'Pink X-Mas' promises not only a festive atmosphere, but also a contribution to an open dialog about sexual health and a sign for a non-discriminatory working environment."
Under the motto "not only celebrate, but also do good", the "Pink X-Mas" Christmas village promises culinary delights from BILLA and PENNY as well as local start-ups and invites you to an open dialog about sexual health. "The event will focus on the topic of sexually transmitted infections and sexual health. These topics should no longer be taboo in our society - and neither should they be in the workplace," explains Sandra Edelmann, Senior Manager for Diversity & Inclusion.
A highlight of the event is the signing of the "Working positively declaration", which advocates non-discriminatory treatment of HIV-positive people in the workplace. REWE International AG is committed to promoting open, respectful cooperation and welcoming HIV-positive employees.
Andrea Brunner, Managing Director of Aids Hilfe Wien, says: "On World AIDS Day, it is important to raise awareness of the realities of life for people with HIV. Even if you can already live well with an HIV diagnosis today, the fact is: HIV is still not curable. And we need to talk about the existing stigmatization of people with HIV. The fear of being stigmatized as HIV-positive alone prevents people from taking an HIV test. Signing the declaration for the non-discriminatory treatment of HIV-positive people in working life is an important step towards a respectful and open society. This can only succeed if the business community, public institutions and social initiatives work together to achieve this. I would therefore like to thank REWE Group and its LGBTIQ+ network di.to for their great commitment and generous donation."
As part of the internal campaign "Our health, our responsibility: get tested!", the essential importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) is specifically highlighted. The STI campaign aims to raise awareness of the need for regular testing in order to protect and maintain sexual health. Markus Kuntke, Head of Trend and Innovations at REWE Group and member of the di.to network, emphasizes: "Testing for STIs is an important step towards individual responsibility in dealing with one's own health. Sexual health goes beyond well-being in sexuality. Self-acceptance, but also disease prevention and active STI protection are part of this."
Austria-wide condom campaign in all BIPA stores
On World AIDS Day, December 1, a special promotion will take place in all BIPA stores: Durex condoms will be included free with every purchase, as part of an initiative to promote sexual health. There will also be a 25% discount on all Durex products from November 30 to December 13. In addition, Leonie Rachel, known from the podcast "Couchgeflüster", will explain myths about condoms on BIPA's social media channels.
