FUA course meets grassroots orgs, immerses students in two real‐world sessions preventing gender violence, translating theory into impactful community action.

written by Costanza Gori — MeToo and Sexual Harassment Course Instructor

Bridging the gap between students and the local social landscape, and creating structured opportunities for dialogue between classroom and community—this is one of the core priorities of Florence University of the Arts (FUA), which places real-world engagement at the heart of its educational philosophy. Within this framework lies the interdisciplinary course #MeToo and Sexual Harassment, taught by Professor Costanza Gori in the Department of Psychology. As part of this course, the instructor has expanded the academic experience beyond the traditional classroom setting, organizing two mornings of immersive meetings with a variety of grassroots organizations—each committed to combating gender-based violence and challenging harmful stereotypes.

This expanded format reflects a clear intention: to offer students a broader, more multifaceted perspective by encouraging direct engagement with a diverse range of approaches, languages, and working methods. From this idea came two distinct encounters, thoughtfully designed as an integral part of the academic program.

The first meeting, held on March 26 at Spazio Co-Stanza, brought together three unique initiatives, each with its own methodology but united by a common goal: to make sex and relationship education a tool for awareness, critical thinking, and the promotion of both individual and collective well-being. This event provided students with the opportunity to explore contemporary, socially grounded approaches that translate complex content into educational practices that are both accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Re.Vulva is a collective founded in Prato in 2022, made up mostly of professionals in sexual health. It promotes a sex-positive, inclusive, and intersectional model of sex and relationship education through public events, training programs, and group reflection. Among its flagship activities are Comfort Zone, a program designed for parents and caregivers; a monthly Autocoscienza (self-awareness) group held on the first Thursday of every month; and a variety of educational events featuring guest speakers who address key aspects of sexual well-being. Re.Vulva actively collaborates with local associations, collectives, and institutions, building networks of shared care and community dialogue. One of its key goals is to raise awareness and promote access to the Internal Condom (Femidom)—a device still relatively unknown and difficult to obtain in Italy—which the collective distributes free of charge at its events.

La Clit – Coffee, Literature, Ispiration and (sex) Toys is a Florence-based project launched in 2024 by Francesca De Gaudio and Giulia Heuser, aimed at creating safe, informed spaces to talk about sexuality, pleasure, and well-being. The project operates on two fronts: hosting events and workshops with experts on various sexuality-related topics, and curating a selection of high-quality pleasure toys and sexual wellness products—chosen for their safety, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and alignment with queer values. Alongside its e-commerce platform, La Clit has launched a pop-up phase, with events hosted in local bookstores, cultural spaces, and cafés. The founders, who are also trained sexual educators, promote an inclusive and critical approach that challenges stereotypes and uplifts the value of the body, pleasure, and sexual health.

Italy Needs Sex Education is a nationwide campaign advocating for the introduction of mandatory sex and relationship education in Italian schools. Through a public petition and outreach initiatives, the project seeks to foster a more just, inclusive, and aware society by addressing topics such as gender-based violence prevention, STI awareness, and overall well-being. Founded by Flavia Restivo and supported by organizations like Rise Up and Futurevox, the campaign draws on a network of professionals to raise awareness and promote systemic change in Italian education.

The second event will take place on April 16 at Casa delle Donne di Firenze, where students will meet six local organizations actively working to combat gender-based violence and promote social justice. This is far more than a passive learning opportunity; it is a central part of the course structure, offering direct interaction with professionals and activists who confront complex realities daily using practical tools and interdisciplinary expertise. Though different in history, structure, and methodology, these organizations share a common goal: to carry out daily, grassroots work that combines action, support, and social transformation.

Informadonna is a service run by Informagiovani del Comune di Firenze, dedicated to supporting women of all ages and backgrounds. It provides personalized guidance on employment, education, and pathways to independence, with the goal of fostering professional reintegration, personal development, and empowerment. Twice a month, it hosts a Job Club, a peer support group for women seeking employment. The service also organizes events, workshops, and cultural initiatives in collaboration with local organizations, helping to build an active network around gender issues and promoting the sharing of rights, knowledge, and opportunities. It maintains a map of local services and helps direct users to relevant public and private resources.

La Mia Ostetrica APS was founded in Florence in 2010 to provide competent, continuous, and personalized support to women and families during the most transformative moments of life. In 2021, it became a Promozione Sociale (APS) association, reinforcing its commitment in the educational, social, and health sectors. Central to its mission is the Casa dei 1000 Giorni—a symbolic and functional space for welcoming, caring for, and supporting families during the child’s early years and the transition into parenthood. The initiative integrates midwifery, psychological, and educational expertise to provide coordinated support, listening, and education. The association offers tailored programs across every stage of a woman’s life, focusing on menstrual health, sexuality and natural contraception, menopause, reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and parenting. Special attention is given to the protection of birth rights and the prevention of obstetric violence, advocating for respectful, person-centered care. It is part of the Casa delle Donne di Firenze network, sharing its values and dedication to promoting rights, health, and well-being.

Resto Io is an association founded in Florence in 2019 with the goal of preventing and addressing gender-based violence, particularly psychological, domestic, physical, and economic abuse. It operates through an interdisciplinary team and promotes a culture of awareness through workshops, trainings, and outreach programs, mainly in schools of all levels but also for the general public, companies, and professionals. The association focuses on helping people develop a clear understanding of what violence is, so they can recognize and confront it. Particularly active in vocational and technical schools, Resto Io pays close attention to the cultural and relational dimensions of violence prevention. Since 2024, it has been part of the Casa delle Donne di Firenze network.

Azione Gay e Lesbica is one of Florence’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ organizations, active for over thirty years in promoting rights, quality of life, and the fight against gender-based violence and homolesbobitransphobic discrimination. The organization offers legal, psychological, and family mediation services, and runs educational and awareness programs in schools and throughout the community. It also manages one of Italy’s largest LGBTQI+ documentation centers and publishes materials focused on lesbian and feminist culture. A founding member of Toscana Pride, the organization has also been organizing Pride Park—a political and cultural community space—for over 25 years.

Nosotras Onlus is an intercultural association of Italian and migrant women active in Florence since 1998. It promotes women’s empowerment and gender and citizenship rights through listening services, shelters, training programs, and regional and international projects. It works to combat gender-based violence—including female genital mutilation and economic abuse—and is part of the national REAMA network. The organization is also active in anti-discrimination efforts, coordinating help desks and awareness campaigns against racism and intersecting forms of discrimination. It provides training for schools, healthcare professionals, social services, and law enforcement.

DonneXStrada is an association founded in 2021 with the mission of increasing safety in public spaces and restoring women’s right to move freely without fear. It operates through a nationwide network of psychologists, lawyers, and gynecologists, and created the Punti Viola initiative—businesses trained to welcome and assist people in distress. The association develops educational, training, and advocacy projects against gender-based violence and discrimination, working closely with public institutions. It also helped design Viola Walk Home, an app that enables users to be virtually accompanied in real time along routes considered potentially unsafe.

These two events are not just extracurricular additions; they are a fundamental expression of FUA’s teaching philosophy: a space where knowledge and lived experience intersect, where the classroom meets the city, and where students engage directly with those working every day to create social change.