A look back at “Giving wings to UM” in pictures
As it does every March, the University of Montpellier organized its "Donner des elles à l'UM" event to promote gender equality. Workshops, round tables, home cinema, and the creation of a mural entitled "Theory of Being Together." Here is a look back at this fifth edition, which was held remotely and led by the Quality of Life at Work department of the Campus Life Division, through photos and testimonials.
A man and a woman assemble a large poppy that floats above their heads. The man is perched on a stepladder while the woman balances on a pyramid of chairs. This is how Montpellier-based artist Débitdebeau chose to illustrate the theme of gender equality in the professional and academic world. "Poppies and red thread are recurring elements in this artist's creations, and they also refer to the Nous voulons des coquelicots (We Want Poppies ) movement," explains Victoria Beauchesne, a civic service volunteer in the art and culture department, who accompanied the artist during the creation of this work. The piece, entitled Théorie d'être ensemble (Theory of Being Together), is now on display in Building 7 on the Triolet campus.
Follow its creation step by step thanks to the time-lapse video by Lune Jezequel, also a volunteer in civic service in the UM's art and culture department.
Verbal self-defense workshop and roundtable discussion
This month, as part of Equality Month at the University of Montpellier, a virtual round table was held, bringing together around 30 people to discuss a practical and concrete project: exchanging ideas to design an information resource for victims of sexual or gender-based violence. Nadia was one of the participants in this round table. She says she is very sensitive to this issue, which "resonates with my personal history. I myself have benefited from the support of UM services, where I found a listening ear, comfort, and kindness. It's a blessing when you're going through difficult times, both personally and professionally, to work in an environment that supports you."
"Each situation is unique, but we hope that this information resource, to which many UM departments (DVC, DAGI, HR, SCMPPS, etc.) will contribute, will enable victims, who are sometimes under a great deal of stress, to have all the information they need at their disposal," adds Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Social Responsibility.
The verbal self-defense workshops attracted around 100 participants, including students and university staff. Florence is a regular attendee of training courses and workshops. Although she does not feel she is suffering, she knows that life sometimes throws up difficulties and is always looking for tools that can help her in her professional and personal life. First aid, non-violent communication, or managing difficult situations, "this was a little different, the goal was not to avoid conflict but to learn how to confront it in order to say 'no,' 'stop,' or 'this situation is not acceptable to me.'"
Homophobia, sexism, racism, discrimination against people with disabilities—during these workshops, participants were able to discuss the appropriate response when experiencing or witnessing this type of situation. "All of the examples given by the facilitator had actually happened and could apply to both men and women. It was very fun and interesting because we all had quite different ways of reacting." However, she felt that the experience was a little too short and would gladly do it again. "And why not try to get some men to come along?" she asks.
Combating stereotypes with Hogar
Another type of workshop, another means of expression: art. Between February1 and March 9, UM students and staff were able to benefit from the talent and expertise of visual artist Hogar. Two online workshops were held, during which participants were introduced to graphic arts. Paper, glue, scissors, markers, and a little skill gave rise to ten original works designed around the theme " Breaking Free from Clichés."
Finally, more than a hundred people logged on to watch, as if at the cinema, Sébastien Lifshitz's latest film, Adolescentes, which won three awards at the 2021 César Awards, including Best Documentary. See you next year for a new edition of your "Donner des elles à l'UM" event... in person this time.