A French study reveals that more than half of students do not feel safe at their institutions.
A French study reveals that more than half of students do not feel safe at their institutions.
In an age where education is seen as a beacon of enlightenment and progress, university campuses worldwide grapple with a shadow that undermines these ideals: violence against women or “VAW.”
The United Nations’ “UNITE to End Violence against Women” initiative, launched in 2008, stands as a global response to this pervasive issue, seeking to eradicate VAW through collective action and awareness. This initiative, particularly relevant in the context of educational institutions, emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change to create safe learning environments.
The alarming reality on campuses
In France, top-tier schools such as Sciences Po and HEC Paris face significant challenges. Even Nantes University reported that 40% of its students have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). A huge majority of the victims in these cases identify as women or non-binary.
Furthermore, the French Observatory on Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education found that over half of the students do not feel safe at their institutions. At least 40% believe their schools are inadequately addressing the issue. Of the respondents, 71% were women, underlining the disproportionate impact of sexual and gender-based violence on female students.
Having a ‘safe campus’
Amid all the concerns about violence against women, the group Safe Campus emerged as a ray of hope. Unlike other French collectives focusing on SGBV response, Safe Campus is focused on prevention. Safe Campus Founder Marine Dupriez, a graduate of a top French business school, said witnessing rampant gender-based violence and sexism motivated her to form the group.
She recognized the financial constraints as a significant hurdle in these cases, as institutions often lack the resources for comprehensive, impactful interventions. “Unfortunately, these days, higher education institutions still don’t have enough time nor enough money to allocate to the prevention of gender-based violence,” said Dupriez.
Legislative gaps and ground realities
Despite laws in France mandating the presence of advisors for SGBV victims in universities, there is no obligation to create new positions or offer adequate remuneration for these roles. The disconnect between legal frameworks and on-ground realities impedes the creation of a supportive environment for victims and the implementation of effective prevention strategies.
Investing in prevention: A call to action
The theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” echoing the mission of the Safe Campus group.
Dupriez welcomed this development and said that investment is not merely financial, as it encompasses time, education, and societal commitment to change. Institutions, she said, must prioritize comprehensive, long-term interventions that go beyond mere lip service.
Universities, as centers of learning and development, have the responsibility to ensure their campuses are safe, inclusive, and respectful environments.
The efforts of initiatives like UNITE and Safe Campus, coupled with institutional commitment and societal support, can significantly contribute to preventing violence against women and girls.
Educational institutions, while shaping future leaders, can actively combat gender-based violence to ensure that their campuses are safe and empowering environments, free from fear and oppression.
