The Forum took place in the Power Station of Art in Shanghai and it hosted more than one hundred participants. In her keynote speech, Dr. Šimáčková presented the Istanbul Convention and consequent actions against violence against women and domestic violence in Europe. Other speakers presented other related issues, such as violence against women in armed conflicts, role of women in global enterprises or progress about China’s anti-domestic violence law.

Following speeches was a panel discussion about “Global efforts on women empowerment: eradicating domestic violence and discrimination against women” moderated by Weldon Epp, the Consul General of Canada in Shanghai. Last part of the Forum was a self-defense workshop introduced by Mr Pavel Houdek, who is a self-defense class instructor and gender equality advocator in the Czech Republic.

During the event, photography project „Essentials“ of Mr Tomáš Třeštík was displayed in the venue. Project focuses on the very few things you might actually need when you leave your home in a hurry because of violent behaviour of your partner.