Presentation and visit to the Medicusmundi exhibition: “All women free from violence”, talk and debate about violence against women in different cultures.
Practice aimed at creating a space for the knowledge of the evolution and forms of violence against women through the exhibition of the Medicusmundi organisation. For this, an explanation of the exhibition sample and the informative materials of the same were made by the Vice President of the northern zone to give way to a debate and exchange of opinions and experiences on the part of the participants.
Aim of the best practice:
The aim of this practice was to create a space for the participation of different organisations that work on intercultural issues. In this case, Medicusmundi and its exhibition “All women free from violence” with the problem of violence against women throughout history and in different cultures.
Objectives of the best practice:
The objectives of this practice were, among others: to offer information on the subject of violence against women through the informative and educational materials created by the Medicusmundi organisation; create a space for reflection and debate in which all participants could present their opinions and experiences; learn first-hand, through the Vice President of Medicusmundi Norte, the evolution and experiences derived from this problem; design, among all participants, measures and actions to eradicate this problem from the world; understand the different forms of violence and how they are carried out in different cultures.
The main actors that participated in this experience are the group of TCNs and locals. In addition, the staff of the Medicusmundi organisation and especially its Vice President of the northern zone.
Another important actor in the experience is the facilitator who is in charge of moderating the debate and coordinating the activity.
For the correct implementation of this practice, it is necessary to have a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 20. This number is adequate for the participants to interact and make comments and reflections.
The approximate duration of this experience is 4 hours. During this time there is an introduction, explanation and visit to the exhibition. After this, the debate and the exchange of experiences and opinions begin.
To carry out this practice it is necessary to have certain resources:
Humans: group of TCNs and locals participants in the practice. Staff from the Meducusmundi organisation who will be in charge of explaining and guiding the exhibition. Facilitator of the experience that coordinates and stimulates participation.
Materials: screen, projector, computer, informational materials about the organisation and the exhibition itself. Chairs for participants.
Infrastructure: wide and comfortable space to carry out the activity and display the exhibition. In the case of Spain, this experience was held at the Mingle Point, a space dedicated to the development of various Mingling experiences. This large tent was the perfect space to carry out these types of activities.
The main strengths of this practice were, among others, the fact that a topic as important as violence against women was put up for debate and that the participants had a space to comment on their experiences, opinions and realities. In addition, thanks to the exposure and the information provided, it was possible to learn new aspects of this problem. The participants, thanks to the opinions given by people of different origins, were able to verify that in all cultures, this type of violence exists and how it is sometimes considered “normal”.
Another strength of this practice is the space for reflection created and the questioning of certain practices considered normal, as well as common acts in many cultures that threaten the life and dignity of women.
Some recommendations for carrying out this type of practice that addresses such important issues are: have informative material appropriate to the characteristics of the participants; show an attractive, interesting and instructive exhibition; create an environment of trust so that participants can express themselves freely and talk about their opinions and experiences; be respectful at all times, since on some occasions this topic can bring inappropriate comments either due to lack of knowledge or for cultural reasons.