International Women’s Day (in a non-binary perspective, by “women” we refer to all people who identify as such), on 8 March, calls on us to remember the struggles that have brought about more freedom and rights. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that remain on the path toward genuine gender equality.
One of the most pressing challenges is addressing gender-based violence, which continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Promoting relationships based on respect, consent and equality requires deep cultural change – and education plays a crucial role in making that change possible.
Through V.O.I.C.E. (Vision, Opportunity, Inclusion, Community, Equality), we work to raise awareness about the rights of women and non-binary people, gender roles and the gender care gap. The project does this through training activities, educational tools, awareness campaigns and community initiatives. Our aim is to work “from the ground up”, engaging schools, families, educators and local communities in building more equitable and inclusive practices.
Achieving gender equality requires sustained commitment, courageous policy choices and profound cultural transformation – which often happens through moments of collective reflection. For this reason, to mark 8 March we are organising a special evening dedicated to cinema and dialogue, exploring together the cultural dynamics that still shape how we talk about consent, responsibility and justice.
How art can spark dialogue
We invite you to a free film screening followed by a discussion, featuring a contemporary cult film starring Carey Mulligan:
Friday 13 March, 2026|h 18.30
EPYC – European Palermo Youth Center, via Pignatelli Aragona n°42 – Sala Auditorium (1° piano)
Free attendance but limited spots available
If you do not yet have an ARCI membership card, you can request one on: https://tessera-arci.it/.
Participants without an ARCI card will still be able to attend the event (and the refreshment, if provided), but will not have access to the café services reserved for members.
Why this film
The film we have selected invites us to confront uncomfortable questions. What happens when pain goes unheard? What happens when institutions and society fail to protect women? And can revenge ever be a valid response to violence?
The story we will watch does not justify violence. Instead, it uses it as a narrative device to reveal how deep the wounds created by stereotypes, silence and collective complicity can be.
The screening will be followed by an open discussion led by members of the Youth Advisory Board. Together, we will reflect on why the response to gender-based violence cannot be individual or violent, but must instead involve cultural, educational and community change.
The evening will offer an opportunity to reflect together on gender-based violence, stereotypes, consent and collective responsibility – and how to bring about equality.
About the project
V.O.I.C.E. – Vision, Opportunity, Inclusion, Community, Equality is a European project funded by CERV-2024-DAPHNE programme.
Partners
For further information
Read more on the project fact sheet, visit www.thegendertalk.eu, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Sefora Giaimo: sefora.giaimo@cesie.org.
