Coimbra marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th with a program aimed at engaging the public in reflection and participation. The initiative, presented today at the Convento São Francisco, stems from the premise that violence against women is a collective responsibility requiring a cultural and educational response.
The Councilor for Culture, Margarida Mendes Silva, and the project curator, Rita Dias, presented the initiative. "Coimbra will be a city of voice, a city that listens, welcomes, denounces, and publicly positions itself against violence against women and girls," assured the councilor. "This week is an active and committed gesture. It is a shared responsibility we want to extend to everyone," emphasized Margarida Mendes Silva. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the issue, open discussion, mobilize young people, and sensitize the community to combat violence.
Rita Dias thanked the involvement of the Municipality of Coimbra, describing the realization of this week as "a political and artistic dream." The curator highlighted the participation of artists, local associations, and community organizations, as well as the integration of culture, education, and social action.
A central event is the march “If they touch one, we all respond”, scheduled for November 25th, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The march will be followed by a presentation by Rita Dias with the Coro das Mulheres da Fábrica and the inauguration of an installation by artist Inês Moura, created with the involvement of students from the municipality's schools.
On November 24th, Rua Larga will host the open mic event “Peço a Palavra”, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring Inês Marinho, Tomás Taborda, and the Associação Académica de Coimbra, exploring themes such as dating violence.
The series of talks begins on November 23rd at the Casa Municipal da Cultura with the debate “Violence against Women: From Private to Public”, moderated by Rita Ferro Rodrigues. Participants include Rita Dias, Bárbara Bento (UMAR), Marta Viegas (magistrate), Margarida Oliveira (PSP Coimbra Superintendent), and Ana Rita Brito (Associação Akto).
On November 26th, the Casa da Escrita will host “Women and Sexual Violence”, moderated by Paula Cosme Pinto, with contributions from Joana Dias, Inês Pedrosa, and Carolina Moreira. On November 28th, at the Café Concerto do Convento São Francisco, artist Clara Não will moderate the conversation “Art as Denunciation and Symbolic Reparation”, with Sara de Castro, Selma Uamusse, and Vânia Couto.
Raising awareness among younger generations involves four educational sessions with the Associação Corações com Coroa on November 23rd and 24th, at schools such as EB 2/3 Rainha Santa Isabel and Escola Secundária D. Dinis.
Public space interventions also include the inauguration of a mural by the Associação Há Baixa and the installation by Inês Moura, which will become permanent features of the program.
The company Estado Coletivo will present the play “STABAT — o que vê realmente o olho que faz mira?” on November 28th at 9:30 PM in the Black Box of the Convento São Francisco. Tickets will be available soon.
The week concludes on November 29th at 7:00 PM at the Convento São Francisco with the solidarity performance “Mulheres sem Medo — A vergonha tem de mudar de lado”. Produced by Sons em Trânsito, the event combines music, word, and scenic creation, featuring artists such as Ana Moura, Carolina Deslandes, Gisela João, and Rita Redshoes.
The project originated from the Portuguese adaptation of Vivir Quintana's "Canção sin Miedo," titled “Canção sem Medo”, written by Rita Dias. The Coimbra City Council developed this week from that starting point, connecting creation, education, and public participation.
