Deconstructing gender and fighting inequalities
The Equality Unit of the University of Seville has carried out a day of Feminist Stories and Equality with the aim of promoting the deconstruction of gender and fighting against inequalities. This initiative has had the participation of students and women from outside the university environment. , who have shared testimonies and stories that reflect various problems and experiences
Stories of harassment and fear in today’s society
During the event, several shocking stories were told that show the harassment and fear that many women face in their daily lives. One of these stories was shared by Marta R., a student at the Faculty of Philosophy, who recounted a situation of harassment that she experienced at the fair in her town. After having smiled politely at two boys at an attraction, they began shouting offensive comments at him. Marta confessed to having felt fear and uncertainty about the possibility of the situation escalating. This story generated a debate among the students present about the fears that women face when they go out alone on the street and why men tend to minimize these situations.
The importance of education in the construction of gender roles
Mercedes Cubero, professor at the Faculty of Psychology and specialist in gender equality, highlighted the importance of education in the construction of gender roles and in the interpretation of situations such as smiling. According to Cubero, from an early age women are taught to smile as a gesture of kindness and courtesy, while men are not taught in the same way. This difference in the interpretation of smiles is just one example of how inequalities are perpetuated in society.
The traditional role of caregivers and the need to change it
Another story shared during the day was that of a teenager who recounted an experience of toxic love and emotional dependence in which she was manipulated by her ex-partner. This story served to exemplify how women often take on the role of caregiver and how this can lead to toxic relationships. The students highlighted the influence of movies and books aimed at adolescents in normalizing unhealthy romantic narratives. In addition, they highlighted the importance of educating about healthy relationships and detecting toxic behaviors from an early age.
Continuous commitment to equality at the University of Seville
This event is part of Purple Wednesdays, a project that has been promoting activities to promote equality at the University of Seville for six years. The Equality Unit, with the support of the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, organizes various initiatives with the aim of raising awareness and fighting for gender equality.
