The Edinburgh chapter of a 16-day global initiative that aims to end gender-based violence launches today. The UN’s Women’s 16 Days of Activism campaign will see a range of events held across the world in the lead-up to Human Rights Day on 10th December.
Sixteen days of events have been organised for across Edinburgh in support of the international campaign, giving women – and men – a platform to share their experiences, opinions, talent and knowledge in the fight against gender inequality.
The campaign in Edinburgh is being spearheaded by staff members at Edinburgh Napier University’s ‘Changing Perceptions’ programme, along with Bright Choices, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services and the University of St Andrews, with a range of contributing partners – from third sector organisations to statutory services – also taking part.
The Edinburgh chapter – #16DayEdin – will be officially launched at a special event at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Chambers Street this afternoon.
A host of speakers have been lined up for the event including Equality Lead Ruth McQuaid from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Edinburgh Napier’s Thanos Karatzias who will present findings on his research on PTSD resulting from domestic abuse. A group of women who have experienced gender-based violence and domestic abuse will also speak.
The Edinburgh programme for the 16 days is varied – with events ranging from Jiu Jitsu and self-defence workshops to a conference on tackling female genital mutilation and film screenings.
A number of creative workshops that aim to shine a spotlight on a number of issues including gender stereotypes, sex and violence in gendered advertising, and the impact gender violence can have on mental health will also take place.
Nika Puri, Changing Perceptions project officer at Edinburgh Napier and part of the organising team for the Edinburgh chapter of the campaign, said: “It is truly amazing to see the University come together to work on the UN 16 Days campaign.
“Edinburgh Napier University is collectively fighting for the inclusion and empowerment of minorities, who are so often at a disadvantage. Through active citizenship and community engagement; the support of staff, in particular those of Bright Red Triangle, the School of Applied Sciences, and the School of Health and Social Care, and the passion and commitment of the students who want to engage, we have achieved a collaboration of massive influence bettering the lives of our communities.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Edinburgh Napier is delighted to be a major supporter of the Edinburgh Chapter – UN 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign. We pride ourselves on our diverse student body, based on equality and fairness. We encourage active citizenship, innovation and entrepreneurship through education and community engagement. The events of the 16 Days of Activism highlight issues, but also celebrate resilience and the ability to rise above a challenge.”
Edinburgh Napier itself will host a number of events as part of the campaign across its Merchiston and Sighthill campuses.
An International Bazaar – which will see entrepreneurs and social enterprises from throughout Scotland offer artisan gifts, local produce and food from throughout the world in support of the campaign, will take place across 27-28 November. Jiu Jitsu self-defence workshops will take place at Merchiston on Saturday 2 and 9 December, with a Mental Health Awareness Day taking place at Sighthill on Friday, 1 December.
Kathryn Rezai, an associate lecturer in Marketing at Edinburgh Napier, will host an interactive public seminar on ‘Challenging sex and violence in gendered advertisements’ at SACRO in Edinburgh on 4 December.
The full-line and ticket details for the Edinburgh 16 Days of Activism can be found here and here.
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