Em­pow­er­ing and rais­ing aware­ness - a look back at HUs ac­tion week for FLINTA*

With a programme of workshops, an exhibition, keynote speeches including film screenings and a publicity campaign, the week featured a multitude of events. The week not only provided space for awareness-raising and dialogue, but also for concrete empowerment opportunities for those affected.

The exhibition "Invisible" by the artists' collective Pussart was officially opened on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women*. The works exhibited in the entrance foyer of the main building at Unter den Linden 6 dealt with the often hidden aspects of sexualised violence and discrimination. Ten female artists in the collective created artworks that reflect their individual perspectives and experiences. At the opening, Becky Jaraiz, founder of Pussart, spoke about the genesis of the collective, which is deeply connected to her personal experiences of domestic violence. Laura Soria followed on from this by shedding light on the historical and current struggles of the women's movement, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Latin American migrant women. The evening programme concluded with a live performance by Andreea Hriscu, who portrayed the emotional and psychological processes of survivors of abuse.

The "Courage to Break Out" (Mutausbruch) workshops on 23rd and 30th November offered both employees and students the opportunity to strengthen their self-confidence and self-assertion. In addition to theoretical impulses for dealing with different forms of violence, the focus was primarily on the practical aspect. Exercises on setting boundaries and self-defence were highlighted as particularly valuable by the participants.

Another highlight was the screening of the documentary film "Picture a Scientist", which depicts the experiences of discrimination faced by women in science. The accompanying keynote speech by Dr Chripa Schneller encouraged us not to lose sight of different levels of discrimination, even beyond the issue of gender equality, and also to combat discrimination within discrimination and make inequalities within inequalities visible. A big thank you also to the Hörsaalkino Adlershof and the cooperation that made the screening of the film possible!

The Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging would like to thank all participants and contributors for their contributions to a successful week full of exchange, solidarity and new perspectives.