Over 16 days, the initiative aims to spotlight and confront the systemic gender-based violence affecting academic institutions across the Americas.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA) launches today, November 25, the campaign: “It’s not personal, it’s structural: for educational institutions free of gender-based violence.”
Led by its Gender Working Group (GT Género), the initiative seeks to raise awareness within the academic community and society at large about the impacts of gender-based violence across the Americas, as well as to highlight pathways toward transformation. The campaign is grounded in the understanding that gender-based violence is a structural problem, and that the first step toward changing it is recognizing it.
A structural problem that affects academic freedom and human rights
According to the CAFA, gender-based violence in educational settings is a systemic phenomenon present in multiple countries across the Americas. It directly affects professors, researchers, staff and students. These forms of violence — including microaggressions, discrimination, harassment and sexual violence — limit women’s right to teach, learn, research and publish freely, also undermining the democratic quality of educational institutions.
Objective of the campaign
The initiative seeks to raise awareness, strengthen public debate, and mobilize concrete actions by promoting effective institutional strategies such as implementing prevention and response protocols, equality policies, and reporting and protection mechanisms.
The central message — “It’s not personal, it’s structural” — emphasizes that these forms of violence are not isolated incidents but part of a patriarchal culture embedded in academia, one that requires collective action to be transformed.
How to participate
Starting November 25, the campaign will share a series of informational and educational materials, including videos, posts, articles, quotes and poems that make the issue more visible.
To participate, we invite you to follow, engage with and disseminate the materials published on our X, LinkedIn and YouTube platforms and on the official CAFA website.
“It’s not personal, it’s structural. Unlearning and combating gender-based violence in academia means building justice and strengthening democracy”.
About the UN initiative
The international campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” takes place every year from November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day. This global strategy is driven by individuals and organizations who demand the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
More information: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – UN Women
About CAFA
The Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas promotes, protects and defends academic freedom and institutional autonomy with the aim of developing relevant human rights standards that safeguard educational spaces, identify best practices and strengthen democratic principles in the Americas. Its Gender Working Group carries out actions to highlight and confront the inequalities and violence that affect women and LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual) people in educational settings.
Campaign materials
Cards:
Video: