An unprecedented collaboration between the University of Malta’s Library and its recently-formed Equity Office sees around 50 student dissertations on gender-based violence and violence against women and girls compiled to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
This compilation, which spans from 2018-2023, features dissertations undertaken by students across diverse academic disciplines.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, celebrated annually on 25 November, marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and runs up until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is a key international moment to unite and call for an end to violence against women and girls, with this year’s United Nations Secretary General campaign theme being ‘Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls’.
By means of a poster, copies of which will be distributed across the Msida campus and online, the public can simply scan a QR code and be automatically led to the abstracts of each of these dissertations. University of Malta users can access the dissertations from anywhere using their UM account. Moreover, interested parties of the general public can access full copies of the research at the Melitensia section at the UM Library.
"We believe it is imperative to highlight the extensive research and dedicated efforts invested by our university students in addressing critical issues revolving around gender-based violence and violence against women and girls in particular. Our intention is to disseminate this knowledge to those vested with decision-making authority. Alongside presenting actionable proposals to combat gender-based violence at an upcoming event, we aim to underscore that students not only care deeply about this issue but are themselves agents of change," expressed Ms Nadia Abdilla, the University’s Equity Coordinator.
The Equity Office within the University has the important role of improving equity, diversity and inclusion on campus and beyond, to ultimately inspire social change. It falls under the Pro-Rectorate for Staff & Student Affairs and Outreach, which also routinely engages in consultation with relevant stakeholders to organise various initiatives throughout the academic year.
Other than this initiative per se’, the Equity Office is also organising an event in front of the University Library on Wednesday 29 November 2023, starting at noon, with a great guest line-up made up of poets, activists, academics and students, who will each take their turn to speak and help shed light on the need to eradicate gender-based violence through their invaluable insight. The public is invited to attend. The event is also supported by KSU.
Your participation is vital in driving positive change.