5 May 2026, 14:30 – 17:30, Vienna, Austria

Central European University (CEU)
Free of charge, upon registration

About the training

How we respond when we witness harmful behaviour matters. Active bystander intervention is a key prevention strategy for addressing gender-based violence in higher education and research settings. 

This onsite training equips participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise gender-based violence and intervene safely and effectively. Drawing on evidence-based approaches and interactive methods, the session supports participants in understanding their role as bystanders and taking responsible action within their academic and professional environments. The training combines short inputs with group discussion, scenario-based exercises and role play allowing participants to practice concrete intervention strategies in a supportive and safe learning space. 

Learning objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to: 

• Identify and articulate different forms of gender-based violence
• Understand the role, responsibility and impact of bystanders
• Recognise situations where bystander intervention is appropriate
• Apply the 5D intervention model (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct), developed by Right To Be 

Who is it for?

• Gender equality officers/focal points/equality and diversity officers
• Human Resources officers
• Ombudspersons
• Gender Equality Plan team members
• Health and safety officers
• Heads of Department/Unit in charge or involved in policy development on gender-based violence
• Students 
• Anyone working or studying in higher education or research organisations who wishes to act as an active bystander and contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence 

The training is addressed to those at the beginning stages of creating and implementing a policy framework to address gender-based violence in academia.  As seats are limited, priority will be given to individuals at the initial stages of developing and implementing policy to address gender-based violence within their institution and correspond to the profile of participants. Preference will be given to individuals from countries participating in Horizon Europe, with special consideration for registrants from ‘Widening countries’ as defined by the European Commission. We kindly ask for your understanding as we strive to include a diverse range of participants. 

Facilitators

Ana Brandl is the Gender Equality and Diversity Officer at Central European University (Vienna, Austria) since 2018. Her main responsibility is the design, implementation, and monitoring of CEU’s Gender Equality Plans. She has participated in several EU-funded projects on gender in higher education and research, such as SUPERA (Supporting the Promotion of Equality in Research and Academia) and Gender Equality Academy, and currently leads the CEU team in GenderSAFE. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies (CEU and University of Oviedo, 2017) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology (University of Buenos Aires, 2008). 

Diana Puerto Michaut is a lawyer and Legal Circle Facilitator in GenderSAFE at Central European University, where she supports participants in developing and enhancing gender-based violence policies within their institutions. She has also worked extensively as a trainer, delivering capacity-building sessions on sexual education, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS for health practitioners and students. She has further delivered trainings on gender-based violence in academia in both English and Spanish. Diana holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies (CEU & University of Oviedo, 2023).