Anti-Discrimination a disability, this is an insurmountable obstacle to pursuing their hobby. Fishing without passing the necessary exam is possible in most Laender, if you obtain a so-called “guest fishing licence”, but only for a short period of time. In the TV programme BürgerAnwalt, the AOB criticised the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the sport of fishing and reminded the viewers of the UN CRPD, which advocates equal rights of participation of persons with disabilities in recreational activities and sports. Scientific studies also emphasise the positive effect of fishing for persons with several physical disabilities, as this is an important contribution to the development of the personality and to social integration. UN CRPD advocates inclusion in sports and recreation The AOB suggested that an Austria-wide regulation be established or that the fishing laws in the Laender be amended to enable persons with disabilities to fish. The regulation could be based on the provisions that currently apply for children and minors. Persons with disabilities should be able to fish if they are accompanied by a person who has a valid fishing licence. AOB recommends amendment of law Reactions from the Laender were largely positive. Almost all the Laender stated their willingness to make appropriate changes to enable easier access for persons with disabilities. This will hopefully not only raise politicians’ awareness of the problem but also be an additional step towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of life. Laender agree with recommendation 2.1.4 Gender discrimination Fewer complaints from women - AOB begins dialogue Strikingly fewer women than men appeal to the AOB. The AOB would like to empower women and is therefore beginning a dialogue. One of the worst violations against gender equality is violence against women. Even though violence against women has long been recognised as a problem in the entire EU, as the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) has stated, there is still a lack of comprehensive data in many member states, particularly from official sources. This demonstrates a lack of willingness on the part of women to report abuse to police, but also a lack of confidence that the authorities will respond appropriately to their needs as victims of criminal action. Political reactions and measures to combat violence against women could profit from evidence of women’s actual experience of violence with regard to cases that are reported to authorities or – equally important – not reported to authorities. 51