The University of Montpellier organizes its days of action against violence against women

[Press release] - Published on November 21, 2024 in Espace presse, Environmental issues and social responsibility

Far from tolerance or resignation, the University of Montpellier is pursuing its commitment to the fight against violence against women. To mark the international day on November 25, it will be offering a variety of events with a single objective: to understand the root causes of such violence, in order to prevent it and put a stop to it. The program includes a workshop on mental and physical self-defense, an awareness-raising stand, a round-table discussion and a film-debate. This strong, long-standing commitment is part of the UM's active policy to combat all forms of discrimination.

The University of Montpellier 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 to look at such violence from different angles. Redefining the notion of consent and analyzing these "gray areas ", learning how to detect such violence, how to react to it - notably by filing a complaint - but also how to protect oneself from it, so as to categorically oppose all violence based on gender relations.

Combating violence against women has long been a commitment at the University of Montpellier. Since 2020, it has also been one of the major thrusts of its plan for professional equality between women and men. The UM intends to develop and implement concrete actions throughout the year.

The "Days of action against violence against women" agenda

The week kicks off on Monday November 25 on the Triolet campus with a discovery workshop in mental, emotional, verbal and physical self-defense. A practical course led by Idaline Lortiga, from Loreleï, a self-defense and anti-sexism association, using "simple, fast and effective" techniques. The aim is to find a way out of an aggressive situation, not to "win" or teach a lesson to the aggressor. The workshop will run until January 20, 2025, every Monday from 12:15 to 1:30 pm, for all female UM staff.

On November 25, still on the Triolet campus and open to the general public, you can come and talk to the Quality of Life at Work department, find out about the actions taken by the university to combat violence against women, and pick up "repousse relou" whistles. This awareness-raising stand will run from 11am to 3pm.

The week continues on Tuesday November 26 with a roundtable discussion entitled "Blanche neige, consentante ou victime?", by videoconference from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.. Based 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 question how popular culture, education and the media shape our representations of consent, between glamorized violence and rape culture. Agnès Fichard-Carroll, vice-president in charge of training and university life, will open this round table, which is open to the general public.

Finally, on Wednesday November 27, the film "La nuit du 12" will be screened from 7pm at the Aimé Schoenig student center on the Richter site. A film by Dominik Moll, winner of six Césars in 2023, including Best Film. The screening will be followed by a discussion open to the general public, in the presence of the personal injury squad from Montpellier police headquarters.