University of Malta Marks 16 Days of Activism with Training, Dialogue, and Art

The University of Malta joined the global movement for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the annual international campaign running from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Gender-based violence remains a widespread and urgent issue worldwide, with one in three women experiencing violence during their lifetime in forms ranging from domestic abuse and sexual violence to psychological, economic, cyber-violence, femicide, and conflict-related sexual violence. Through the Equity Office, the University reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and encouraging concrete action to prevent and address such violence.

This year, the University’s Equity Office led efforts on campus with multiple initiatives engaging both staff and the wider public.

For the second consecutive year, the campaign began with a staff training session on “Recognising the Signs of Domestic Violence.” Delivered in collaboration with the Office for Human Resources Management & Development and the Counselling Services at the Health and Wellness Centre, the session was led by Dr Mary Joan Camilleri (Head of Counselling Services) and Ms Donatella Pace Olivari (Social Worker). It explored power dynamics in abusive relationships, the psychological impact of victimisation, and the role of interventions in psychology, psychotherapy, and social work in supporting survivors. Sessions like this strengthened staff awareness and their capacity to recognise and respond appropriately to domestic violence.

A central event of this year’s programme was the launch of Dear Woman, a powerful art installation by Danish visual artist Kathrine Maj, currently based in Malta. Hosted at the UM Library, the exhibition ran from 26 November to 10 December, exploring the journey from girlhood to womanhood through personal testimonies and archival contributions from women. The installation invited visitors into an intimate, reflective space, connecting individual experiences with broader themes of female identity, memory, and transformation. The exhibition was officially launched on 26 November with an opening address by Prof. Carmen Sammut and a keynote by Prof. Charlene Vella.

Following the launch, a panel discussion titled “Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families” was held at the UM Library, Periodicals Department. A joint initiative by the Equity Office and the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, the session featured Ms Samantha Pace Gasan, Commissioner on Domestic and Gender-Based Violence; Prof Clarissa Sammut Scerri; Dr Lara Dimitrijevic; Ms Theresa Micallef; and Ms Alessia Cilia Portelli, sister of Bernice Cassar (nee Cilia), a femicide victim in 2022. Alessia shared her personal experience, stating, “there are good days… and bad days when there is anger and frustration and you lose all sight of all hope. On other days you try to use her name to help others – those are the days I try to describe as good days.” The discussion highlighted the emotional, psychological, social, and legal consequences of domestic violence and femicide on victims, families, and communities, and was moderated by Ms Donatella Pace Olivari.

A third event, “no PRIDE in violence,” focused on raising awareness, fostering safe spaces, and encouraging open dialogue around support for the queer community. The event featured a Q&A conversation with Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) representatives Colette Farrugia Bennett and Alex Caruana, moderated by Mr Roderick Vassallo.

“Through this collective programme of events, we aimed to create meaningful spaces for learning, reflection, and action. Each initiative, whether a discussion, training, or awareness campaign, was rooted in our commitment to challenge violence, give voice, and strengthen a culture of respect, safety, and accountability across our community,” said Ms Nadia Abdilla, the University’s Equity Coordinator.

In line with its ongoing commitment, the University of Malta also reminded its community to seek support if facing violence or abuse and to speak out without fear. Students and staff were encouraged to access confidential support through the University’s Health and Wellness Centre, which offers professional guidance in a safe and supportive environment.

Through these efforts, the University reaffirmed its dedication to creating safer spaces for all and standing firmly against any form of violence.