We met Joëlle Kivits, Vice-President of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, to find out more about the goals, highlights and new features of Equality Month 2024, which is being held throughout March at Université Paris Cité.
Can you tell us more about the Equality Month?
Equality Month is one of the key activities of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Mission’s. Its aim is to raise awareness among the entire university community regarding respect for our differences, whether we are students, members of the teaching and research staff or administrative staff, whether we are just visiting the campus or have been here for many years. Mission EDI works throughout the year to prevent all forms of violence and discrimination. Equality Month is an opportunity to take concrete action on a variety of themes: sexism, racism, validationism, LGBTphobia, verbal abuse, etc.
What’s new and what are the highlights of the fourth edition?
Each event is a special in its own right! Of course, Equality Month has its not to be missed events: theatre forums, theatrical performances, conferences, etc. LGBTphobia will be the main topic of a theatre forum; racism will be tackled at a conference where Carole Reynaud Paligot, co-author of the comic strip “Comment devient-on raciste?”, will analyse the phenomena of racialisation; grossophobia will be tackled by a theatrical reading followed by a discussion with researchers and patients, etc.
New new types of formats are being introduced: workshops on verbal self-defence and cyber-violence awareness are being organised for students; a walking tour to discover the unknown history of the Colonies, much of which was played out in the heart of Paris. And there will be plenty of opportunities for sports events, too, with a photo exhibition entitled “Cris d’alerte” (“Warning Cries”) by skater Sarah Abitbol, raising awareness of violence against women in sport.
Finally, we were particularly concerned to extend our activities beyond the “big campuses”: Villemin will be hosting the “Cris d’alerte” exhibition, and two of the 4 verbal self-defence workshops will be held in Malakoff and at the IUT Rives de Seine. Beyond Equality Month, we will be trying to continue this work, and to be active on sites that are sometimes far away.
Who is involved in this year’s edition?
Like every year, Equality Month is made possible by a large number of people working together at UPCité: Culture Department, Campus Life, Disability Support Centre, as well as the vice-deans of the faculties and the referents in the different departments, not forgetting the support of the Communications Department and the other services that host our events.
Bonus question: Equality Month in 3 words?
Exploration, open-mindedness, respect (for differences, for others…). And a 4th: fun!
Read more
A New Academic Year Focusing on Welcoming International Students
As the new academic year got underway, welcoming international students at Université Paris Cité is highlighted by a series of events and activities, underlining the importance we place on their successful and fulfilling stay at the university....
read moreBecome a Mentor and Mentee on the Buddy System platform !
Since September 2024, all Université Paris Cité students can sign up for the Buddy System. It is a mentoring online platform enabling local students to help and support new international students settle in at UPCité. Local students become mentors or buddies who are...
read moreExpanding Cooperation with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
On October 4, 2024, academic cooperation between Vietnam and France were strengthened through the signing of a letter of commitment by Université Paris Cité and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). (left to right) Édouard Kaminski, President, UPCité...
read moreLooking Back at the EAIE Fair in Toulouse
From September 17 to 20, 2024, Université Paris Cité welcomed over 400 visitors to its stand at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) fair dedicated to the internationalisation of higher education. At the forefront of the event was international...
read more