Unipd launches campaign to spread 7 principles of nonviolent and nondiscriminatory behavior

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, the University of Padua, in collaboration with the City of Padua, has launched the “Io vedo, io sento, io parlo” (I See, I Hear, I Speak) campaign with the aim of supporting the dissemination of seven principles of nonviolent and/or discriminatory behavior by promoting the adoption of the same on a daily basis, and the awareness of all citizens on these issues.

Several researchers, university staff members and students participated in the campaign’s photo shoot by putting their faces on the front lines. Starting on Friday, November 22, for 20 days, 280 posters will in fact be displayed throughout the city of Padua, with the aim to send a strong message against gender-based violence, harassment and all forms of discrimination, so that everyone can feel they have to do their part.

“The University of Padua, together with the Municipality of Padua, are united in their common commitment to the prevention of all forms of discrimination, harassment and violence against the female gender, phenomena whose extent, according to periodically updated data from our own country, is taking on the dimensions of a deep-rooted social problem that is by no means marginal,” says Gaya Spolverato, delegate for Equal Opportunity Policies at the University. The campaign “Io vedo, io sento, io parlo” wants to bring to the attention of the entire citizenry the importance of the culture of respect and equality of the female world for an effective common awareness, inviting everyone, through the sharing of the proposed messages, to be an active part in the creation of a fair and inclusive society.”

This communication action linked to personal commitment, is part of the broad two-year project “UniRe – Università Responsabile” (Responsible University) as a concrete tool to combat harassment and discrimination, through actions aimed at informing, training and raising awareness in the community, thus combating episodes of violence and gender or minority stereotypes. Those principles can be shared on social media thanks to special posts and images, designed for more complete dissemination with the possibility of enriching them by inserting your own personal reflections.

Here are the chosen principles:
1. Words and actions have consequences. I am responsible for what I say and do.
2. Silence is not always a choice of neutrality. Sometimes silence is complicit
3. No person belongs to me. Each person belongs only to himself or herself
4. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon. I do not use my position as an instrument of overpower or imposition of my will to harm the dignity of others
5. I observe the impact of stereotypes on my behaviors. Does what I think about a person come from concrete experience or from prejudice?
6. Diversity is an asset to all people. Diversity is not a reason for shame or weakness
7. I stop to think about an event even when I have no direct responsibility for it. Blame is individual, responsibility collective

Other initiatives have been proposed for this day, such as the installation of a red bench at the Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies within the Beato Pellegrino Pole, in adherence to the Red Benches project, and adherence to the national “Posto occupato” (Seat taken) campaign, promoted by the Centro Veneto Progetti Donna.

For more details, visit the dedicated page.

Watch the promotional campaign video here: