Future generations of students and faculty will undoubtedly have a very different classroom experience because of their work. (Sarah Rankin, Director Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Harvard University).

It was my recent privilege to visit the University of Barcelona and talk with the faculty involved in CREA. I was struck by the fierce devotion these women have dedicated to eradicating sexual harassment and gender violence. As someone who has been working to improve policies and procedures related to these issues on college campuses for the last decade, I know how difficult and challenging this struggle can be. I feel fortunate that many of the federal laws mandating campuses to address gender violence in the U.S. were paved by vocal women and men before me. I have had the luxury of building on their accomplishments.

CREA’s efforts to lay this foundation by breaking the silence surrounding gender violence is inspiring. Future generations of students and faculty will undoubtedly have a very different classroom experience because of their work. I am particularly indebted to Lidia Puigvert who taught me a great deal in my short visit. She patiently explained CREA’s work - the challenges they face as well as their successes - and put a face to this issue by sharing stories about real lives being impacted by sexual harassment and violence. You need only spend a few minutes with Lidia to know how deeply passionate she is about improving the lives of women. She embodies all that makes me proud to be a feminist and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to meet her and to witness CREA’s rigorous work first hand.”

Sarah Rankin
Director
Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Harvard University