Working together to create safe spaces

With “cosnova says NO”, the company is using the reach of its brands to take a clear stand, promote preventative measures and support victims. Together with strong partners such as Frankfurt Galaxy, InterNetX and HateAid, the goal is to ensure that the message is clear wherever communities come together, whether online or offline. “Since launching “cosnova says NO”, our aim has not only been to raise awareness, but to make a real difference. For almost 25 years, cosnova – through its brands essence and Catrice – has encouraged people to express themselves freely and to embrace beauty as an expression of their personality. But self-expression requires safe spaces,” explains Astrid Haury, Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility at cosnova. “Violence is a societal problem in the digital space, just as much as it is in public places and in people’s personal lives. We want to use our combined reach to raise awareness and actively make a difference with our communities.” Eric Reutemann, Managing Director of Frankfurt Galaxy, adds: “The fight against hate and violence needs allies who take a clear stand. As a team within the European Football Alliance, we are using our platform to set an example by demonstrating respectful coexistence and inspiring others to follow our lead. As part of the “cosnova says NO” campaign, we aim to encourage our fans to reflect on their own behavior and to address problematic behavior in their social circles.” “Sport brings people together and creates a sense of community. As a company that helps shape the digital infrastructure of the internet, we recognize that establishing safe spaces is just as much of a struggle online as it is offline. That’s why we want to take a clear stand on this issue. As the main sponsor of Frankfurt Galaxy and a partner of “cosnova says NO”, we stand for respect, safety and solidarity. Having players wear the “Say NO!” slogan on their chests is a powerful statement for us,” says Arthur Mai, CEO of InterNetX.

Team spirit for social change

Like last year, the Frankfurt Galaxy players will take to the field in their orange “Color Rush” jerseys, this time for their final regular-season game against Nordic Storm from Copenhagen. The bright orange color is a reference to the UN campaign “Orange the World”, which has been raising awareness about violence against women and girls since 1991. After the game, the campaign jerseys will be sold to fans, with half of the proceeds going to the FeM refuge for girls and young women in Frankfurt. Even before kick-off, fans are encouraged to wear orange to show their support. At the “Powerparty”, cosnova, essence and Catrice will be raising awareness of the issue through interactive activities designed to promote dialogue and highlight the importance of preventing violence and treating one another with respect. The centerpiece is a life-size “Say NO!” banner, which the Frankfurt Galaxy players have already signed. Visitors can endorse the message by adding their own signatures and becoming part of a growing network of supporters and allies. There will also be a special highlight just before the game starts: the sixteen-strong cosnova choir, comprised of company employees, will sing the German national anthem. Josephine Ballon, co-managing director of HateAid, will perform the coin toss to determine which team gets the initial choice.Everything related to game day can be followed on the social media channels of all the partners. The game itself will be broadcast live on Hessischer Rundfunk and on YouTube.