Orange for Awareness at SEEU: Empowering Law Students Against Gender-Based Violence
South East European University (SEEU), through its Faculty of Law and the ODEI Working Group (Openness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) of the ChallengeEU project, launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the seminar “Orange for Awareness: Empowering Law Students Against Gender-Based Violence.” This year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, guided the keynote messages and discussions throughout the event. The seminar opened with remarks by Prof. Dr. Arta Mero, who emphasized the importance of preparing future legal professionals to address both physical and digital forms of violence against women and girls. She highlighted SEEU’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive academic environment for all students. The event brought together law students, academic staff, NGOs, gender-based violence activists, and participants from ChallengeEU partner universities who joined online. The presence of SEEU’s leadership demonstrated strong institutional support: Rector Prof. Dr. Sadudin Ibrahimi, Pro-Rector Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani, and Prof. Dr. Besa Arifi, Advisor for Community and International Relations. The seminar featured a series of powerful contributions from experts and practitioners in the field. Vilma Dule, activist and survivor of gender-based violence, offered a deeply personal and academic reflection in her presentation “Rebirth as an Act of Resistance.” Elizabeta Bozhinovska, Programme Director at HERA, highlighted the importance of comprehensive services for victims, perpetrators, and men in crisis. From the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Hana Saliu discussed the psychological impacts of gender-based violence and the therapeutic interventions available to survivors. SEEU’s Prof. Dr. Albana Meta-Stojanova examined the alarming rise of femicide in her talk “Femicide: Chronicle of a Foretold Murder,” while Prof. Dr. Vedije Ratkoceri provided an overview of the criminal legal framework for protection against gender-based violence and its alignment with international standards. A special highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of the “Emine Zendeli” Legal Clinic, which supports victims of gender-based violence through primary legal assistance and offers students essential practical training and real-case experience. Today’s seminar reaffirmed that gender-based violence is not only a legal or institutional challenge, but a shared social responsibility. Only through cooperation among universities, institutions, organizations, activists, and students can we build a safer, fairer, and more humane society. SEEU and ChallengeEU remain committed to safeguarding human rights and standing united against all forms of gender-based violence. Together, we rise against gender-based violence.
Family Law through ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T.: Student Perspectives
Family Law through ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T.: Student Perspectives is an academic and creative showcase designed for students of the Faculty of Law, university staff, and invited stakeholders. The event highlights student-led research on key family law topics through the lens of Openness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI). Working in small groups, students present their findings through posters, presentations, and policy focused reflections, demonstrating how legal principles connect with real social issues and lived experiences. Family Law through ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T.: Student Perspectives promotes inclusive legal education, strengthens student research and public speaking skills, and fosters cross-faculty dialogue on equality, justice, and human rights. It also encourages future legal professionals to think critically, advocate responsibly, and contribute to a more fair and inclusive society.
Orange for Awareness: Empowering Law Students Against Gender-Based Violence
This seminar is organized within the framework of the ChallengeEU project, as part of the ODEI Working Group (WP5), which aims, among other objectives, to strengthen students’ capacities in addressing gender-based violence. “Orange for Awareness” is an activity that brings together professionals from the legal system, mental health, civil society, and activism to create a shared space for education, reflection, and awareness on one of the most serious human rights challenges. Aligned with the 2025 theme of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, the seminar emphasizes the growing importance of combating violence in both physical and digital spaces. It aims to equip students with legal, psychological, and practical knowledge, preparing them to become professionals committed to justice, victim protection, and fostering social change. The Legal Clinic “Emine Zendeli”, through its role in providing primary legal assistance, enables students to respond professionally to real cases of gender-based violence, strengthening the connection between theory, practice, and ethical engagement in the protection of human rights. Join online: https://meet.google.com/upq-ikjb-ena Involved institutions and partners: Max Vander Stoel Institute; Cortex; Mollekuqja, Margini, Hera; Shega; Centre for Women Support
ODEI Programme in Action
From June 20 to 30, members of Work Package 5 from the ChallengeEU Alliance conducted an innovative pilot training on Openness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The immersive Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), hosted by Universidade Europeia, brought together participants from all partner universities, offering a unique opportunity to develop and refine their teaching skills on key ODEI topics. After several weeks of in-depth preparation, the training provided a dynamic platform to put their knowledge into practice. The training was structured into six interactive modules, each addressing key aspects of ODEI: A standout feature of the training was the ODEI simulation, where participants engaged in experiential learning by observing actors role-playing real-life scenarios involving discrimination and microaggressions. This powerful exercise sparked deep discussions, allowing attendees to analyze these situations and collaboratively explore solutions. While the opening and closing sessions were held online, the core of the training took place in a hybrid format, combining virtual participation with an in-person gathering in Lisbon, Portugal. This blended approach not only made the program accessible to a wider audience but also provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to network, exchange ideas, and strengthen cross-university partnerships. The training employed diverse, interactive methods – including experiential learning, Mentimeter polls, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions – to ensure active participation. The final evaluations reflected high satisfaction with the content, materials, and facilitation methods, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in deepening ODEI competencies. Building on this successful pilot, the next phase will involve rolling out the training to students and staff across all ChallengeEU universities. This expansion will further embed ODEI principles into institutional cultures, empowering more individuals to champion inclusivity and equity in their communities. This initiative marks a significant step forward in creating more inclusive, aware, and collaborative academic environments – a testament to the power of shared learning and collective action.
