fREAD Yourself. Women in Shelters and the Imapct of Libraries
Proving educational, cultural and recreational activities for women and children affected by violence.
The Challenge
Some of the activities of “fREAD yourself” have already been tested as a public engagement project of the Sapienza Università di Roma Library with Associazione Differenza Donna, an organisation for women and children suffering from violence. Their aim is to continue the support with two goals: first, to highlight the issue of gender-based violence; and second, to support female victims of violence in their journey to regain autonomy. This challenge plans to expand further into the community of women and children from both national and international backgrounds and work towards their safety and well-being.
The Initiative
Together with the advisors from Differenza Donna, librarians are working towards solving problems connected to gaining economic independence, having adequate literacy skills and regaining self-confidence. Activities both inside and outside the centre, such as visiting farmers’ markets, museums and parks, clothing swaps, recycled art and craft labs and game spaces, provide recreational, cultural and educational support. Specific support for young people is also available, with safe relationship-building as a primary goal.
What’s Next?
The development of this work and the model the project partners are developing can be used elsewhere. The idea is that libraries and museums can become places to visit that are safe but can also be places to offer more than traditional study and viewing areas. The initiative is exploring how the library can become an important reference point, with useful and free services, and with the goal of opening university libraries to the local area’s community.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
