THEORIES, POLICIES AND PRACTICES: EDI AND THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN COUNTERING GBV

In this essay we argue for the pivotal role that European Higher Education institutions play in counteracting gender-based violence by disseminating knowledge and facilitating strategic actions for a safe work/study environment. However, they observe, in order to make a dif¬ference, HEI must also recognize how their organizational structures and culture intersect with hierarchies of power and discrimination. Starting from a critical examination of existing literature, this chapter focuses on how the University of Bologna is trying to counteract GBV with two helpdesks, a data collection and monitoring system, and communication campaigns. Intertwining theories, policies and practices, the chapter aims to assess the benefits, and the main obstacles, of these EDI policies to increase awareness amonsgst the university community at large.