Students escaped the cold, snowy night and gathered in the Multicultural Student Center Lounge Wednesday to engage in a Deconstructing Rape Culture workshop, a collaboration between PAVE and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity.
Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment is a student organization at UW-Madison that works to end gender-based violence, especially on college campuses. Their events range from self-care hangouts, discussion sessions, and activism.
The event was the second in what organizers hope will be a long series of collaborations. The workshop was the result of combined efforts from PAVE staff and the members of the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, both of whom say they have put many hours into this project.
“I’ve been working with them, meeting weekly, sometimes biweekly to create these events in order for people to get those conversations in their communities, and to get the Greek Community especially engaged,” Saja Abu Hakmeh, a PAVE peer facilitator, said.
Hakmeh and her primary collaborator, Ricardo Rangel of Lambda Theta Phi, originally met through their job at Campus SAFEwalk, which plays its own part in keeping students safe on campus. SAFEwalk employees were posted at the event in case anyone needed a walk home afterward.
Hakmeh kicked off the workshop, encouraging everyone to exercise respect, consideration
Several group activities sparked dialogue regarding multiple topics, including behaviors that contribute to rape culture. Terms such as intersectionality, systems of oppression, and toxic masculinity were introduced and defined by group leaders.
At times when an individual was confused about a topic, others were encouraged to try their hand at an explanation. Many students shared personal experiences and anecdotes in order to clarify their point.
The workshop concluded by discussing recommended ways a person could intervene when they see something potentially harmful going on in a social situation.
Rangel reflected on the program, viewing it as a small success in a long journey.
“I do see a lot of our brothers recognizing that these conversations are necessary to have, and I think it has worked pretty well so far,” Rangel said. “Maybe in the future, we could have more Greek entities [on campus] join us in these conversations.”
Patricia Castillo Venegas, an attendee, thought the event helped to start a dialogue, but felt more has to be done when it comes to dismantling rape culture.
“Women, trans folk, non-binary folk are dying and getting raped … sometimes you need to do more than listen and believe, you need to do something,” Venegas said.
