The Faculty of Law mobilizes against harassment

This theme, proposed by the students, encompasses harassment at school, at work, sexually, towards minorities... whether of a physical and/or moral nature, whether it manifests itself in person, online or otherwise. Over the course of the two terms, various courses, practical work, conferences and cultural events were organized, and several outside speakers enlightened students in various fields (cyberbullying, harassment of the elderly...). This innovative pedagogical approach bore fruit, bringing together all the students (daytime and staggered timetable) and the teaching team throughout the academic year.

A look back at some of these activities.

As part of the University of Namur's PHARE program, students had the opportunity to visit the immersive "Poésie masculine" exhibition, in collaboration with the Delta. They were confronted with the experience of street harassment, in the shoes of a victim. The day continued with a screening of Caroline Pierret Pirson's film "Plus jamais silencieuse", followed by a meeting with the artist, and a conference led by Nathalie Grandjean and Stéphanie Wattier, professors at UNamur.

For over 20 years, the Faculty of Law has organized its traditional Tournoi d'éloquence. A perilous exercise for students, who must write a high-quality text on an imposed subject, then express themselves with ease in public for around ten minutes. Their challenge: capture the attention of the audience and the jury, express emotion with accuracy and dare to reveal themselves.

This year, students were asked to comment on Sartre's quote "L'enfer, c'est les autres" ("Hell is other people"). A quote chosen in connection with the red thread.

Six students, four in daytime and two in staggered hours, took part and were coached by Professor Benoît Michaux. At the end of their performances, three students received awards:

• Delphine Blouard - 1st prize and audience prize
• Eléonore Deplasse - 2nd prize
• Eric Dufer (HD bac) - 3rd prize

In mid-March, a pre-event dedicated to street harassment was organized by and for students, at the initiative of the "Les Bras Droit" kot-à-projet. On the program: screening of the documentary "Femmes de la Rue" by Sofie Peeters and a discussion on the subject led by various speakers: Bertrand de Buisseret, former UNamur student and sanctioning official for the commune of Ixelles; Noémie Blaise, also a former student and now substitute for the Namur Public Prosecutor; Margot Lamy, criminologist at the Namur Public Prosecutor's Office; Sophie Navez, member of the Namur police force specializing in harassment; Coline Leclercq, UNamur Gender Contact; and Pablo Giesdorf, student delegate in charge of the issue. Over the course of the evening, male and female students had the opportunity to tackle this issue in a concrete way and to exchange views with professionals in the field, all of whom stressed the importance of interdisciplinarity in tackling this issue/topic in a comprehensive manner.

Third-year medical student Nour AZEGHI, active in defending all those who have no place or voice, wins the prize in her category with her work "Touche le bon". A metaphorical work that tackles the theme of harassment with sensitivity and empathy, and tends to highlight the importance of mutual support and solidarity in difficult times.

The second winner is Quentin RICHARD, a young assistant in the Faculty of Economics, Social Studies and Management. He wins the prize for his deeply sensitive and touching short story, entitled "Qui épouse protège".

To close these seven months of Fil Rouge in style, the Faculty of Law organized a charity improv match, pitting the Avocats du Diable team against the Salsifis com'ça team. In all, the evening reunited over €1,750 in profits for the ASBL LE RPH, an association that brings together professionals from different backgrounds to share information, practices and reflections relating to the problems of harassment in education, and to encourage exchanges between stakeholders from different sectors (education, youth, equal opportunities, health promotion, youth aid, ...) in a pluralist manner.

Once again, the projects organized throughout the academic year by the Faculty of Law, punctuated by the Fil Rouge, bear witness to an innovative and fruitful pedagogical approach. "This is a very rich experience, with many discoveries for the students, a remarkable awareness and conscientization", emphasizes Marie Amélie Delvaux, professor of judicial law and one of the project's carriers. "We're fundamentally convinced that to be a good jurist, you have to rub shoulders with reality. This can be done via field experience or internships, but you can't experience everything. I think that through reading, social involvement or even cinema and theater, we can be confronted with certain realities that enable us to complete our legal baggage", adds Élise Defreyne, educational coordinator and also project sponsor.

This year dedicated to harassment in all its forms illustrates the commitment of Law School students and professionals in the field to combating this crucial issue, demonstrating that education, awareness and collective action are the pillars of lasting social change.

The thread that will weave its way through the Faculty of Law in 2024-2025 will be dedicated to a more inclusive and tolerant society, with the idea being that every citizen has a place in society, regardless of race, gender, social class, generation... Objective: to raise awareness of racism, LGBTQIA+, the less able, the elderly or very young, grossophobia, ... Still many motivating activities in store!!