For us, freedom means being free from constraints, exploitation and oppression. We want all people to be able to live their own lives in a self-determined manner and in their own way. No economic and social constraints that serve to maintain existing power and class relations should prevent us from doing so.
Freedom manifests itself through democracy, fundamental rights and full access to education, work and information for everyone. For us, education is not an end in itself, but the path to emancipation, to a self-determined life.
In contrast to radical liberalism, we see equality and justice as the necessary foundations of freedom. Only in a society in which equality and justice are just as important as freedom can the conditions for universal freedom be guaranteed for all people. A freedom from need, fear, ignorance, paternalism and exploitation.
The VSStÖ is a feminist association. We recognize the structural oppression of women, lesbians, inter-, non-binary and trans people in our social system and fight to overcome it. We are convinced that socialism is not possible without feminism.
For us, equality means seeing people as equal in their differences and diversity. Equality is the rejection of any form of privileged and elite society. We humans are equal in our dignity and our right to participate in the economic, cultural and social life of our society.
All people should have the same opportunities to shape their lives independently, to develop their personality and to realize their goals. Equality therefore requires the fair distribution of capital, education, work, information and co-determination.
Freedom and equality are not opposites; they are mutually dependent. The first step towards inequality is also the first step towards lack of freedom. Only politically, economically and socially equal people are free people.
The VSStÖ is a feminist association. We do not want to accept discrimination against women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary and trans people in all areas of life and are committed to real gender equality. That is why we fight against the glass ceiling, for the closing of the pay gap, against sexist attacks and against violence against women, both inside and outside university structures.
We are firmly committed to the principle of justice, the realization of equal rights and true equality of opportunity. Justice safeguards the dignity of human beings, their right to a humane existence.
A primary prerequisite for a just society is the elimination of discrimination and the oppression of many population groups. Furthermore, we demand a fair distribution of all social goods, in particular capital, education, work, information and power. To achieve this goal, a redistribution of property and opportunities is necessary. Justice ensures that all people receive their share of social prosperity.
For the VSStÖ, justice also means the fair distribution of work, resources and opportunities between the sexes. The unequal distribution of reproductive labor and the exploitation of women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary and trans people is a cornerstone of the capitalist economic system. For us, it is clear that real justice is only achieved when there is gender justice.
We, the VSStÖ, stand in the tradition of the workers’ movement. Solidarity is the root of our movement. History has shown us that people who rebel against oppression and exploitation can change more together than individually.
It is through solidarity, both nationally and internationally, that an open, social and democratic society becomes possible. Solidarity is the basis of social cohesion and the most effective instrument for achieving fairer living conditions.
For us, however, solidarity also means standing together and united against those who cause injustice and dependencies. Solidarity means actively standing up for our fellow human beings and working for the common good.
Our clear commitment to democracy is based on the values of freedom, justice and solidarity. We are committed to infusing all areas of life with democracy.