VUB Raises Awareness About Online Violence Against Women
On Monday, March 25, the Women’s Council, the umbrella organization for associations promoting equal opportunities for all genders, and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will host the study afternoon “Gender and Online Violence Against Politicians.” This event is organized in the run-up to the federal and national elections. Online violence is harmful, frightening, and discouraging. It hinders female politicians in their functioning and ambitions and is often a reason why women refrain from taking political mandates or decide to leave politics altogether.
The study afternoon “Gender and Online Violence Against Politicians” is an open guest lecture as part of the course “Political Parties and Elections” by Prof. Dr. Silvia Erzeel and the course “Governance and Policy” by Prof. Dr. Didier Caluwaerts. Various female academics will take the floor, including keynote speaker Dr. Liza Mügge (University of Amsterdam), and Silvia Erzeel (VUB research group DFUTURE) will present her recent research. The goal of the study afternoon is to promote collective awareness.
Political parties also hold significant keys to change. Throughout the afternoon, testimonies from female politicians will be featured, along with a panel discussion involving representatives of political parties. This discussion will explore measures that political parties take internally and externally to create a violence-free political environment. Speakers include Nadia Naji (Groen), Lise Vandecasteele (PVDA), Tess Minnens (Open VLD), Hannelore Goeman (Vooruit), Kathleen Depoorter (N-VA), and Mathilde Vermeire (CD&V). The discussion will be moderated by Robin Devroe (UGent & VUB, DFUTURE research group).
The study afternoon takes place during the weKONEKT-week. As an urban engaged university, the VUB, ULB, and EhB, in collaboration with the university communities and partners, aim to connect students with the richness, complexity, and beauty of Brussels. This is reflected in a wide range of classes, excursions, workshops, and other activities in and with Brussels.
Tickets are free.
Program
- Keynote by Liza Mügge (University of Amsterdam): “Violence Against Women in Politics: Consequences and Coping Strategies”
- Presentation by Silvia Erzeel (VUB): Recent research with Anne Van Bavel and Karen Celis on “Gender and Online Violence Against Politicians in Belgium”
- Panel Debate: Discussion with representatives from political parties exploring measures to create a violence-free political environment. Participants include Nadia Naji (Groen), Lise Vandecasteele (PVDA), Tess Minnens (Open VLD), Hannelore Goeman (Vooruit), Kathleen Depoorter (N-VA), and Mathilde Vermeire (CD&V). Moderation by Robin Devroe (UGent & VUB, DFUTURE research group).
- Video Testimonies: Featuring female politicians Hafsa El-Bazioui (Groen), Katia Segers (Vooruit), An Capoen (N-VA), Meryame Kitir (Vooruit), Goedele Liekens (Open VLD), Eva De Bleeker (Open VLD), Lise Vandecasteele (PVDA), and Nawal Farih (CD&V).
Practical Information
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: KVS BOL, Lakensestraat 146, 1000 Brussels
Contact:
Klara Segers
+32 (0) 477 46 70 98
