As every year, Frederick University once again marked the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, which take place from 25 November to 10 December - International Human Rights Day, with a series of events.
This series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness within the university community about issues of gender-based violence, Frederick University once again emphasized that education on gender-based violence and the need to achieve gender equality are key priorities.

This year, the University presented the Red Flag campaign, which highlighted the concept of “red flags” as problematic behaviors in relationships—whether friendly, romantic, professional, or otherwise—and the importance of recognizing them. The campaign was implemented in three phases, giving students and all members of the University community the opportunity to learn which behaviors constitute red flags and to share their own experiences at installations placed in central locations at Frederick University in Nicosia and Limassol, as well as at the Building of the Department of Architecture.

Through this initiative, our female and male students recorded behaviors they themselves identify as problematic, such as control, jealousy, isolation, and emotional abuse—namely the early warning signs that, if not recognized in time, may lead to more severe forms of violence.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the University hosted Jane Houng for a lecture on 2 December in Nicosia. Ms Houng is the founder of the organization “Becky’s Button,” through which she develops initiatives to raise awareness around gender-based violence following the loss of her daughter, Rebecca (Becky), who was raped and murdered by a taxi driver in Beirut in 2017. The organization aims to empower women and raise awareness about harassment, both online and offline. Its work has a tangible impact, as it provides free personal safety alarms—known as “Becky’s Buttons”—to individuals who truly need them, enabling them to carry the devices easily for personal protection.

“The presence of Jane Houng at our University was a great honor for us,” notes Natassa Frederickou, President of Frederick University Council. “Her strength inspires us, and we wanted her to inspire our students as well, encouraging them to take action on the issue of gender-based violence, which is of utmost importance to our University. The invitation to this lecture reflects our collective commitment to learning, engagement, and the creation of a safer and more respectful community.”

Ms Houng was accompanied by Vana Mghsijerjian, one of the finalists of the Rebecca Dykes Changemaker Challenge, launched this year by Becky’s Button in Lebanon. The competition invites the younger generation to design initiatives that challenge misogyny and contribute to the creation of safer communities for women and girls. The event was addressed by Ms Natassa Fredericou, President of the University Council, and Lauren McAlister, Gender Affairs Officer at the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Beyond the events, the University, in collaboration with the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), has for the past seven years been recording on a daily basis—from 25 November to 10 December—the number of calls received by SPAVO’s 1440 helpline. This year, during the 16-day period, 471 calls for help were recorded, corresponding on average to one call every 49 minutes. It is noted that in 2024, 570 calls were recorded, and in 2023, 486 calls.

“We recorded and presented in real time the calls to the SPAVO 1440 helpline every day, showing the university community that violence is not an abstract concept, but a daily reality. As long as gender inequality exists, violence against women will remain our reality,” Ms Frederickou emphasizes. “We call on our university community and society at large to reflect on what changes we need to make in our everyday behavior and which stereotypes we must challenge, so that we do not contribute to the development of the problematic culture and mindset that exists—one on which perpetrators rely, victims remain silent, and inequalities are bred, sustained, and perpetuated.”