International Women's Rights Day: engineering students mobilize against gender-based and sexual violence
On the occasion of March 8, UPHF is highlighting a campaign against sexist and sexual violence imagined and produced by students at INSA Hauts-de-France.
From March 5 to 9, 2026 and on every campus screen, the university community will discover a selection of shocking visuals that invite questioning and exchange. Through this new awareness-raising initiative, the establishment reaffirms its commitment to respectful and inclusive campuses, where each and every one can study and flourish serenely.
An awareness campaign run by engineering students
As part of their student commitment, engineering students and INSA Hauts-de-France elected representatives have come up with this campaign to alert and mobilize the university community to all situations of harassment and sexist and sexual violence. Broadcast for the first time in January, in different areas of the Valenciennes campuses of the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France and INSA Hauts-de-France, these creations tackle all subjects and situations in a direct and accessible way. This is an effective way of enabling everyone to spot inappropriate behavior in the student environment and beyond, and to encourage reactions to this type of violence.
With its hard-hitting messages, the campaign is a reminder that preventing and combating VHSS is everyone's business: students, academic and administrative staff.
Discover the visuals of the campaign
Increased mobilization for March 8
On March 8, International Women's Rights Day, the awareness-raising campaign is back in the spotlight on all campuses (Valenciennes, Maubeuge and Cambrai). It will be broadcast on all information screens at university sites, as well as on social accounts hosted by UPHF, INSA Hauts-de-France or the establishment's training components, enabling it to reach a wide student audience.
What students say : Gabrielle Hachemi
Gabrielle Hachemi, a student in her third year of engineering, specializing in Energy Mechanics, and involved in community life, tells us more about this student-led initiative.
Discover the campaign on video
What support systems are available for victims?
This initiative is part of the joint actions undertaken by the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France and INSA Hauts-de-France to promote gender equality, prevent sexist and sexual violence and foster a respectful and inclusive study environment. It also serves as a reminder of the listening and support mechanisms available to anyone who is a victim or witness of violence or harassment.
The Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France Health Center offers confidential support. Anyone who feels the need is welcomed and helped without judgment.
📞 03 27 51 10 45
📧 @email
A listening cell is also available online:
📧 @email