Zilla Boyer a political scientist, campaigner and pod-cast creator who joined WoV in search of adventure when she relocated here almost three years ago. Originally from Amsterdam, the WoV community not only helped her find new friends and interests, but, first and foremost, support.
What brought you to Vienna and what made you stay?
Having lived in Amsterdam all my life, I wanted to do my master’s degree abroad. Knowing some German, I finally picked Vienna over Berlin and decided to do a research master’s in communication science at the University of Vienna. I’ll be graduating in the next few months, but as I’ve come to love Vienna so much, I will stay and work here as a social researcher once I’m finished!
How does Women of Vienna play a role in your life?
I honestly cannot imagine living in Vienna without the WoV community as it’s such a big part of my life here. Every week, there is an event I’m either attending or hosting. I read books so I can discuss them in the monthly WoV book club, I work out every week with women I got to know through WoV and I learn so much from the many different women in the group!
What is the hardest / most frustrating challenge you’ve faced here? How did you overcome it?
Being raised in Amsterdam, I truly miss having water around me and a stormy sea close by. To cope, I try to swim in the Danube as often as possible.
What makes Vienna special?
Its affordability and social housing, which makes the city accessible and available to people from all walks of life. And, of course, the pretty princess buildings that you can see everywhere and all the different foods you can stuff your face with.
How has Vienna changed you?
Honestly, Vienna has made me calmer. When I have to wait in line, I used to think about efficiency all the time and how things could’ve been organized better. Now I just chill and think about other things that I can or could do.
What advice would you give to other women living in Vienna?
Go meet people and keep discovering new parts of the city! And, of course, find and join a great women’s network like Women of Vienna!
Tell us how badass you are! What are you super proud of and why?
I am interested in a lot of different things and can do a lot of them at the same time.
What’s your favorite …
…female empowerment or diversity quote?
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Y. Davis
… insider tip or advice you’ve received from Women of Vienna?
Go to Zentralfriedhof (the Central Cemetery) for a nice autumn walk.
… escape from the city?
I honestly barely ever leave the city. For me, the Prater is amazing as a weird escape.
…Austrian blog/Instagram account?
viennawurstelstand.com
… German / Viennese word or expression?
Baba!(Bye)
More about Women of Vienna
Women of Vienna (WoV) is a non-profit organization providing resources and a powerful network for all women* living in or near Vienna, Austria. Established in 2015, WoV originally began as a Facebook group and grew into a community of over 20,000 Austrian and international women* who actively support each other both online and at a variety of monthly events.
The mission of WoV is to make Vienna accessible, bridge communities and encourage women-led change. Visit facebook.com/womenofvienna to learn more!
