TW: rape, femicide, gender-based violence
‘Every 10 minutes partners or family members killed a woman in 2023’. [Source] This statistic may feel far away and irrelevant to many people who aren’t impacted by gender-based violence, however, rape culture is being normalised and actively encouraged by influential misogynists, and this has a real impact on how safe some students feel on our campuses. We need to do something about this.
Edinburgh College is proud to take part in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Across all four campuses, we’re hosting workshops, conversations, creative activities and wellbeing events aimed at raising awareness, supporting our community, and fostering spaces for reflection and resistance.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international civil society led campaign. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, highlighting that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. [Source]
Have a watch of this video for more information on this topic.
Our 16 Days of Activism includes and acknowledges the impact of gender-based violence on gender minorities as well as cis women and our activities are tailored to take their struggle into account.
College-wide Activities (Running Throughout the 16 Days)
Library displays featuring books on gender-based violence (GBV) at all campuses.
Souls of Our Shoes installation at Granton Campus.
GBV e-learning module from Rape Crisis Scotland, available to staff and students via the Wellbeing Hub.
CAPture publication by our CAP students on the theme of GBV.
Wellbeing Team conversation workshops on GBV for Midlothian LDT classes.
Yoga sessions & discussions addressing barriers to sport, physical activity and wellbeing at Granton.
Active Campus yoga + GBV conversations with Construction class groups.
Healthy Relationships resource launch and workshops offered to classes.
Event Schedule
Tuesday 25 November
Zine-Making Workshop — 12:00–13:30
Location: Granton Campus, Library (S113)
Zines are an act of resistance—building community, offering support, and enabling emotional expression. Join Jen Ouson for an informal workshop exploring the reading and making of zines using simple folding, writing, collage, or any method that works for you. Materials provided, including GBV-related zines from the AB-Z Collection.
Drop in anytime and book here.
Wednesday 26 November
Green Beans: Wreath Making - 15:00-17:00
Location: The Hub, Granton Campus
Join us for some wreath making using dried flowers! This is a collaboration between our Green Beans Society and our 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. Wreath making is an activity that can help with mindfulness and connection as well as just being a lovely thing to get your creative juices flowing.
Book here.
Thursday 27 November
Zine-Making Workshop — 12:00–13:30
Location: Sighthill Campus, Library (The Square)
A second chance to join Jen Ouson for a hands-on zine workshop. Materials and GBV-themed zines will be available.
Drop in anytime and book here.
Tuesday 2 December
Wellbeing Drop-In Activities — 10:00–12:00
Location: The Hub, Granton Campus
A pop-up stall offering crochet and badge-making, led by the Wellbeing Team.
Origami Making & GBV Conversations — 12:00–14:00
Location: The Foyer, Midlothian Campus
A session led by Frolix, offering creative space and discussion around GBV, especially from a queer-informed perspective.
Wednesday 3 December
Wellbeing Drop-In Activities — 10:00–12:00
Location: The Foyer, Milton Road Campus
A pop-up stall offering crochet and badge-making with the Wellbeing Team.
Origami Making & GBV Conversations — 12:00–14:00
Location: The Hub, Granton Campus
Led by Frolix, an Edinburgh-based queer feminist collective. Students can make origami animals while accessing information and support around GBV, with space to connect and reflect through a queer lens.
Thursday 4 December
Wellbeing Drop-In Activities — 10:00–12:00
Location: The Atrium, Sighthill Campus
A pop-up stall offering crochet and badge-making with the Wellbeing Team.
Friday 5 December
CANCELLED - Self-Defence Class — 16:00–17:00
Location: Sighthill Campus, SMB-004
Learn the basics of Krav Maga with United Krav Maga Edinburgh. Aimed at women and genderqueer students; taught by a female instructor.
Book here.
Tuesday 9 December
Origami Making & GBV Conversations — 12:00–14:00
Location: The Foyer, Milton Campus
A creative and reflective session led by Frolix, offering origami-making and GBV information and support.
Over these 16 Days, we will be providing a list of resources to tackle gender-based violence and improve education around this issue on our campuses. If you would like to be involved in any of this, please contact mary@ecsa.scot.
