INSPIRATION

“I need you to be on the front line.”

Photos from Nordic Forum 2014

Nordic Forum 2014

There were more than one inspiration that lead to the Tour. One of them was the big summit ”Nordic Forum 2014 – New Actions on Women’s Rights” in Malmø.
During the summit, the leader of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said: “I need you to be on the front line”. UN Women was formed in July 2010 to fight for gender equality and for women’s empowerment. The formation was a historical step for the UN towards reaching the organisation’s goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The focus is on several factors, including:

• The elimination of discrimination against women and girls

• Empowerment of women

• To achieve equality between men and women as partners and as receivers of development, human rights, humanitarian initiatives, peace and security.

With the Nordic Tour, we wished to show Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka that we support her efforts.

 

Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence

Another inspiration for Nordic Tour 2014 was Denmark’s ratification of the ”Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence” – the Istanbul convention, which entered into force at the 1st of August 2014.

 

The FRA report on violence against women in Europe

A third motivating factor in starting the Tour was the newest report on violence from the European Union. It is clear from a report published in March 2014 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) that the issue of women being exposed to violence in the home, at the job, in public space and online is still a relevant issue to discuss – also in the Nordic countries. The survey shows that the policy makers have to recognize the extent of the violence that women are exposed to, and make sure that the reactions to the violence meet all the needs and rights of the female victims in reality, not just on paper.
When the report was published, Morten Kjærum, the director of the FRA, stated that:

“These survey figures simply cannot and should not be ignored. FRA’s survey shows that physical, sexual and psychological violence against women is an extensive human rights abuse in all EU Member States.”

He also said that:

“The enormity of the problem is proof that violence against women does not just impact a few women only – it impacts on society every day. Therefore, policy makers, civil society and frontline workers need to review measures to tackle all forms of violence against women no matter where it takes place. Measures tackling violence against women need to be taken to a new level now.”

You can read more on the report here.

NORDIC TOUR 2014 CONCEPT
Conflict Resolution, Knots and Artwork

The conflict resolution has changed and the judicial solutions in the Nordic countries needs to be supplemented, and in some instances replaced, by new and more advanced dispute resolution mechanisms – including court mediation, mediation and counseling.

Knots can be seen, since the new and diverse forms of families are gaining territory and the nuclear family is no longer the social frame. This has had the effect that the focus is on the individual’s rights and duties and not on community and solidarity. In certain instances this is a challenge that can lead to the feeling of powerlessness and desperation.

Art can provide icons for recognition and reflection. Since many of the problems mentioned above can be overwhelming and affect people personally, images are used as a help to maintain the focus on the theme as well as contribute with new dimensions. The collages that were brought on the tour gave topics that are usually controversial to discuss a visual expression, thereby relieving the conversation.

EXECUTION

Nordic Tour 2014 was planned as an initiative that prioritised

• Sharing of knowledge on many different levels

• Idea generation from professionals, since many children suffer due to the divorces and break ups of grown-ups

• Information about the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the “Istanbul convention”

•Discussion of how the Nordic societies can create the best possible framework for communicating and furthering zero-tolerance against violence and abuse of women and children

•Mutual support in the work conducted for and with those who have experienced violence and abuse in the relationship with the partner/ex-partner – sometimes even from the system