Programme

In recent years, contradictions around women’s rights have come into sharper focus. On one hand, popular opinion often suggests that women could not have been born in better times, as if genuine equality only needed few additional fixes. Yet, in several countries of the Central European region, we have witnessed alarming attacks onwomen’s rights.

Efforts to undermine protection of gender equality are evident across the whole region, frequently driven by political movements opposing so-called "gender ideology." For example, in the Czech Republic—home to our summer school—the government has refused to ratify the Istanbul Convention. As a result, the Czech Republic remains one of the few EU countries that has not ratified this international treaty. Yet, the core principle of the treaty is both straightforward and uncontroversial: the right of every individual to live free from violence.

In Poland, a near-total abortion ban introduced in 2020 sparked widespread protests and severely restricted women’s reproductive choices. While Donald Tusk's government has promised to ease these laws, coalition parties remain divided on how far the amendments should go. Globally, the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States, which removed federal protections for abortion rights, has emboldened those advocating for stricter measures against women’s rights.

Persistently high rates of sexual and domestic violence, alongside gradually improving but still rather low reporting levels, reflect ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. While some support services for survivors are available, they might face the risk of underfunding and/or being stretched beyond capacity. Individuals from economically disadvantaged background, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, ethnic minorities, and women with disabilities may encounter additional barriers when seeking support or justice.

In light of the recent development, the CLS Summer School will critically explore root-cases, types and consequences of gender-based violence. Legal frameworks are undeniably crucial for addressing GBV. However, we will also examine it through social, cultural, and psychological perspectives, looking at history of its understanding from being perceived as a private, individual issue to a systemic, public concern. Together, we will delve into the feminist scholarship that brought GBV to the forefront of international human rights law, analyzing both the successes gained as well as challenging legacies and limits of the rights-based approach.

Our discussions will also focus on strategies for preventing and addressing GBV. Most importantly, we will critically evaluate whether these measures meet the needs of survivors and contribute to lasting change. As part of this exploration, we will consider alternative approaches, such as restorative justice and prison abolitionism, and reflect on their potential to address the root causes of violence, foster healing, and promote accountability in ways that go beyond punitive systems.

Additionally, the program will offer a range of practical skills essential for those interested in work related to human rights and social justice. Participants will learn the fundamentals of crisis intervention and effective communication strategies with violence survivors.

The course will consist of two parts:

• In general course, we will explore gender-based violence (GBV) through legal, social, and human rights perspectives. We will engage with international legal frameworks, landmark case law, and the role of courts in defining and addressing GBV. We will also critically assess justice responses, from retributive to restorative models, and investigate GBV in marginalized communities.
• In skill-based workhops, we will learn:
  • the diffence between crisis and trauma and how they affect life of an individual,
  • fundamentals of crisis intervention (a short-term, immediate approach aimed at stabilizing psychological responses during a sudden, overwhelming situation or major life event),
  • skills to engage sensitively and efficiently with survivors of violence or clients facing difficult situations.

The provisional programme of 2025 edition will soon appear here.  

Please note that programme is not finalised a may be subject to change.

Do not forget that besides the lectures there is also a non-academic dimension of this summer school: you are invited to participate in various trips and sports, to use the wellness equipment of the chalet (sauna, whirlpool) and to enjoy the free evenings, getting to know your fellow students and the lecturers.