The University of Montpellier is organizing its days of action against violence against women

[Press Release] - Published on November 21, 2024 in Press Room, Environmental Issues and Social Responsibility

Far from tolerating or resigning itself to the situation, the University of Montpellier remains committed to combating violence against women. Around the International Day on November 25, it will host a variety of events, each with its own format but all focused on a single goal: understanding the root causes of this violence in order to prevent it and put an end to it. The program includes a workshop on mental and physical self-defense, an awareness booth, a roundtable discussion, and a film screening followed by a discussion. This is a strong and long-standing commitment that is part of an active policy to combat all forms of discrimination implemented by the University of Montpellier.

The University of Montpellier is committed to combating sexism and all forms of violence against women

On November 25, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the University of Montpellier is offering a program designed to examine this violence from various perspectives. Redefining the concept of consent and analyzing these “gray areas , ” learning to recognize such violence, to respond to it—particularly by filing a complaint—but also to protect oneself from it, in order to say a categorical “no” to all gender-based violence.

Combating violence against women is a long-standing commitment at the University of Montpellier. Since 2020, it has also been one of the key priorities of its plan for gender equality in the workplace. The University of Montpellier aims to expand on this priority and translate it into concrete actions throughout the year.

The schedule for the “Days of Action Against Violence Against Women”

This week kicks off on Monday, November 25, on the Triolet campus with an introductory workshop on mental, emotional, verbal, and physical self-defense. This hands-on session will be led by Idaline Lortiga of Loreleï, an organization dedicated to self-defense and combating sexism through “simple, quick, and effective” techniques. The goal is to find a way out of an aggressive situation, not to “win” against the aggressor or teach them a lesson. This workshop will be available through January 20, 2025, every Monday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., for all female staff members at UM.

On November 25, again on the Triolet campus and open to the general public, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with the Workplace Quality of Life Office to learn about the initiatives the university has implemented to combat violence against women and pick up “repousse relou” whistles. This awareness-raising booth will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The week will continue on Tuesday, November 26, with a panel discussion titled “Snow White: Consenting or Victim?” via videoconference from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Drawing on two short films made by students at the University of Montpellier, the panelists will discuss the legal definition of consent, its implications, and its “gray areas.” This discussion will examine how popular culture, education, and the media shape our perceptions of consent, navigating the tension between glamorized violence and rape culture. Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Life and Gender Equality Officer, will open this roundtable, which is open to the general public.

Finally, on Wednesday, November 27, the film *La nuit du 12* will be screened at 7:00 p.m. at the Aimé Schoenig Student Center on the Richter campus. A film by Dominik Moll, which won six César Awards in 2023, including Best Picture. This screening will be followed by a public discussion with representatives from the Montpellier Police Department’s Assault Unit.