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‘Real woman’ poster sparks backlash

The youth branch of the right-wing Freedom Party (RFJ) in Burgenland has sparked a storm of derision on Facebook and Twitter after producing a poster of what a “real” woman looks like - to counteract what it called “gender madness” and the current “absurd image of women”.

The RFJ Burgenland said it was worried about Austrian society – citing the controversial Life Ball poster, Conchita Wurst’s Eurovision victory, and the recent debate about the gender neutral lyrics of the national anthem, as signs that the country is confused about gender.

The RFJ's poster features a naked blonde woman, covering her breasts with her hands, and the text “women don’t have beards or a penis”.

“Tolerance is very important – but recently it’s gone overboard. There are totally absurd discussions which are of no help to women whatsoever,” said Werner Wassicek, State Chairman of the RFJ Burgenland.

“Real women do not need quotas! Quotas are a slap in the face for successful women. We’re repeatedly told that women need quotas so that they can be employed and progress in their careers but this is not true. Strong women succeed through education and achievements, not because they have to meet quotas,” an explanatory text stated on the RFJ Burgenland’s website.

“We want to educate young people. We want to make sure that a realistic image of women is accepted again and women shouldn’t be sad that they can’t grow a beard and don’t have a penis,” it continued.

Do we really need to tell you who this is?  Photo: APA

The reaction on Facebook was far from positive, from both women and men. “I want to puke. And the girl who undressed for this poster should be ashamed,” wrote one woman. “Pathetic” read another comment.

One angry man wrote “this kind of primitive sexism shouldn’t be used for a political campaign. It just proves that you haven’t yet arrived in the 21st century.”

The Facebook community group ‘Blutgruppe HC negativ’, which pokes fun at the FPÖ, responded by saying “Watch out, women. At last, the RFJ Burgenland is telling you how you should look. Take your clothes off, chop, chop!”

One user posted a photoshopped image of the poster featuring FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache in his swimming shorts.

And others were quick to point out that of the eight RFJ Burgenland committee members, only one is female.

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