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 showing any tolerance or resignation, the University of Montpellier remains committed to combating violence against women. Around International Day on November 25, it will host a variety of events that, while taking different forms, all share the same goal: to understand the root causes of this violence, to protect against it, and to put an end to it. The program includes an introductory workshop on mental and physical self-defense, an awareness booth, a roundtable discussion, and a film screening followed by a discussion. This strong, long-standing commitment is part of an active policy to combat all forms of discrimination implemented byUM.

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. The program aims to redefine the concept of consent and analyze these “gray areas , ” teach participants how to recognize and respond to such violence—including by filing a complaint—and learn how to protect themselves so they can 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 professional equality between women and men.UM 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 atUM.

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 Department 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 roundtable 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 spectrum 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 discussion, which is open to the general public.

Finally, on Wednesday, November 27, the film “La nuit du 12” will be screened starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Aimé Schoenig Student Center on the Richter campus. Directed by Dominik Moll, the film won six César Awards in 2023, including Best Picture. The screening will be followed by a discussion open to the public, featuring members of the Montpellier Police Department’s Assault Unit.