Today (Friday 7 March 2025), CDN and Colleges Scotland have launched the findings of our new survey report, ‘Colleges' Approach to Tackling Gender-based Violence and Harassment.’
 
Since January 2023, we have worked closely together to explore how the Scottish college sector addresses gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment. This report presents the outcomes of our survey and offers essential recommendations for colleges to strengthen their efforts in preventing and tackling GBV. You can view the full report here. 
 
In this blog post, we hear from the authors of the report, Dr Gail Toms, CDN Delivery and Engagement Partner, and Claire Vekic, Colleges Scotland Policy Officer. They share their personal experiences, insights, and the motivations behind this critical work. Together, they provide an overview of the findings and outline the collaborative efforts taking place to create safer, more inclusive environments across Scotland’s colleges.

Gail’s Story:

My journey and commitment to Eradicating Gender-Based Violence in Scotland's Colleges  is a deeply personal and passionate cause for me. It stems from witnessing first-hand the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities has driven me to dedicate my efforts towards creating safer, more inclusive environments, particularly within Scotland’s Tertiary educational institutions. My journey in this field has been both challenging and rewarding, marked by significant engagements and ongoing commitments.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my work has been my ongoing involvement with the Scottish Government's Equally Safe in Colleges and Universities  Steering Group. This programme is dedicated to preventing and eradicating GBV within tertiary education institutions. My role involves working closely with college administrators, staff, and students to develop comprehensive policies and support systems. By fostering a culture of respect and equality, we aim to create a safe learning environment for everyone. The collaborative efforts and shared commitment within this initiative have reinforced my faith in the power of collective action. The motivation for the recent CDN/ Colleges Scotland GBV report arose from my interactions with this group, and from working closely with SFC and Colleges Scotland, in order to produce something meaningful to progress this work. 

In December 2024, I had the honour of attending the ministerial event for Zero Tolerance. This event was a significant milestone in the fight against GBV, bringing together policymakers, activists, and community leaders to discuss and reinforce our commitment to zero tolerance for GBV, and ways of engaging men in the conversation. The event provided a platform to share successes, challenges, and future plans. It was a powerful reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. Being part of such a crucial dialogue was both humbling and motivating.

My engagement with Emily Test is central to my advocacy against GBV. Emily Test, a renowned initiative aimed at raising awareness and providing support for GBV survivors, offered me a platform to contribute meaningfully. Through this engagement, I was able to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations, sharing insights and strategies to combat GBV effectively. As a Charter panellist, I am able to ensure that colleges pursuing the charter are represented fairly and that their efforts are rewarded. The charter creates meaningful change for our sector. 

My commitment to eradicating GBV in Scotland's colleges remains unwavering and extends beyond the ‘day job’. I am a board member for Dundee’s Women’s Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (WRASAC) and in November I acted as a marshal for our local ‘Reclaim the Night March’ to protest against violence on our streets (see photos).  My journey in the fight against GBV has been shaped by meaningful engagements, collaborative efforts, and a steadfast commitment to change. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting  colleges to reflect upon and implement the recommendations from the Colleges’ Approach to Tackling Gender-based Violence and Harassment Survey Findings Report. 

The combination of all my experiences – personally and professionally – have not only deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding GBV but also reinforced my resolve to be an active part of the solution. I am proud to be part of a community that is dedicated to making a difference, and I look forward to continuing this important work. Education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves to pursue their studies in a safe and supportive environment. Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for robust policies, comprehensive support services, and ongoing education and awareness programmes. Collaboratively, we can create a future where GBV is no longer a barrier to education and personal growth and together we can create a safer, more equitable future for all.

Claire’s Story: 

As the policy lead for Gender-based violence at Colleges Scotland, I play a key role in the college sector’s response to tackling violence against women and girls.  The publication of the Colleges’ Approach to Tackling Gender-based Violence and Harassment Survey Findings Report, is an important milestone as this has provided us with a strong evidence base of the efforts being taken across colleges to make campuses safe for students, and where we need to collectively focus our attention across the sector to strengthen our response to GBV.  As a membership organisation, my work at Colleges Scotland often focuses on the national picture for the sector, however, this project gave me a real insight into the really positive work going on in individual colleges.

I have dedicated my career to the tertiary education sector, and I care deeply about the part I play in making colleges safe and supportive places to learn.  Tackling and preventing GBV across the college sector is important to me on both a personal and professional level.  In my current role I have been fortunate to work with a variety of organisations and individuals who are equally passionate and committed to eradicating GBV in Scotland’s educational settings.  Some of our colleges have achieved the EmilyTest Charter Award - a real testament to the hard work and dedication to end GBV in colleges.

My motivation is fuelled by my two young children. Entering womanhood in the early noughties, I both witnessed and experienced behaviour that I didn’t speak up about or recognise to be GBV.  However, it doesn’t have to be that way for the children of today and the adults of the future.  As a mother, I have a responsibility to nurture, guide, and protect my children in every aspect of their upbringing.  I am proud that educating them about GBV and how the sum of collective efforts can make a difference will be a part of that.

The launch of our report coincides with International Women’s Day 2025, which primarily celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges women and girls across the globe face on a daily basis and reminds us that the journey to gender equality is far from over.  

One of the key headlines from our survey is that 14 out 16 colleges said that sustainability of funding and the impact on resources is the main barrier to furthering GBV-related progress in their college.  Colleges Scotland calls for dedicated funding for colleges to support the sector’s efforts to end GBV.
It is my belief that women and girls should be able to learn and develop without the threat of GBV.  I am committed to shaping policy and advocating for the funding and resources the college sector needs to continue making campuses safe and welcoming environments.