Luxembourg, April 24, 2025 – On Thursday, April 24th, lux-Airport reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality by hosting an impactful event centered on empowerment by education and awareness. The highlight of the day was the screening of the acclaimed short film “The Red Suitcase – La Valise Rouge”, directed by Luxembourg-based filmmaker Cyrus Neshvad. The powerful story—filmed entirely at Luxembourg Airport—tells the emotional journey of a 16-year-old Iranian girl arriving in Luxembourg to escape a forced marriage.
The audience was deeply moved by the film’s storytelling, poignant visuals, and strong emotional resonance. Following the screening, Luxembourg’s Minister for Gender Equality, Yuriko Backes, delivered a compelling keynote address. She emphasized the importance of continued action to support victims of violence also in Luxembourg and announced the opening of the National Center for Victims of Violence (CNVV), set for April 29th. The CNVV will provide vital support, counseling, and assistance to those affected by violence.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, focusing on education as a catalyst for gender equality. Carole Blond-Hanten, a researcher from LISER, presented her innovative “Gender Game,” a hands-on educational tool designed to challenge and reshape gender stereotypes in a playful yet impactful way.
Fernand Schaber, President of the Unity Foundation, underscored the importance of women’s empowerment through education. The foundation actively invests in initiatives that promote equitable access to education, particularly for women and girls in developing countries. Director Cyrus Neshvad also joined the panel, sharing his vision behind The Red Suitcase and his belief in universal freedom of choice—regardless of gender.
Rebecca Pecnik-Welsch, representing lux-Airport, spoke about the challenges and rewards of producing the film on-site at the airport and why lux-Airport believed in the project’s strong social message.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Social Water” initiative—a boxed still water product sold at the airport and selected outlets across Luxembourg. For every box sold, 30 cents are donated to the Unity Foundation to support educational programs for women and girls. Since the initiative launched in December 2022, over 48,400 units have been sold, generating more than €14,500 in donations. lux-Airport rounded this figure up to a generous €20,000, supporting one year of education for 400 children and 20 teachers in underserved communities.
The donation was officially handed over by Alexander Flassak, CEO of lux-Airport, to Fernand Schaber of the Unity Foundation. In his closing remarks, Flassak emphasized the airport’s continued commitment to fostering equality, access to education, and social responsibility.
