The Centre for Research in Theories and Practices for Overcoming Inequalities (CREA), a UB group, has organized the VI Conference on Social and Educational Change, under the title Preventive Socialization of Gender Violence, (CREA). The conference, which was held in the Auditorium at the PCB on 19 and 20 October, analysed the measures against gender violence that have been effective in overcoming this problem around the world.

The conference also aimed to contribute to the process of reflection, debate and application of the “Llei Orgànica de Mesures de Protecció Integral contra la Violència de Gènere” (Law on Protection Measures against Gender Violence). Approved unanimously by the Parliamentary Congress on 7 October, this law offers protection to mistreated women and imposes more severe sentences on male aggressors and on those who mistreat others who are “especially vulnerable”, among other measures.

The speakers included, among others, the member of parliament and spokesperson for the mixed commission for women’s rights and equal opportunities, Rosa Maria Bonàs, professor of Education at the Universitat de Barcelona, Rosa Valls, and full professor of Sociology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Marina Subirats. These speakers addressed the international context of gender violence, the consequences for men and the application of the above mentioned law in Spain. The conference was opened by the president of the “Institut Català de la Dona” (Catalan Institute for Women), Marta Selva, and the closing session was given by the Minister for Social Affairs, Anna Simó.

The programme also included round tables in which theorists and researchers from several universities and organizations, and educators and representatives from social entities and diverse cultures participated. Issues such as the responsibilities of the media, possible measures from schools and the struggles of women’s groups in distinct cultures were debated.

At present, the forums on gender violence are directed towards non-sexist affective education as a solution. In this regard, the report from the I National Congress on Violence against Women (Gijón, 2001) affirmed that sexist education is the root cause of violence against women and that the present loving relationship model followed supports and fosters violent acts taken “in the name of love”. These conclusions highlight the need to develop preventive solutions from the school. In this regard, several researchers have reported that new generations must develop other types of personal relationships and that for this to occur “sentimental education” must be introduced.

“Gender violence is being addressed from several perspectives and increasing public awareness about this problem is crucial. Organisations such as the “Institut Català de la Dona”, the “Instituto de la Mujer” or the Women’s Rights Committee of the European Parliament are working towards this goal”, commented Lídia Puigvert, professor at the Dept. of Sociological Theory at the UB and researcher with the CREA. In this regard, the European Commission is leading a campaign to increase awareness in order to highlight the dimension of gender violence and thereby promote the inclusion of measures in European policies, particularly newly developed programmes that support initiatives to tackle this violence.