Stand Speak Rise Up! (SSRU!), an initiative of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, brought together survivors of sexual violence in wartime and other fragile environments for a retreat and discussions through a forum held in March 2019.
But since the forum’s closure, SSRU! has still been making strides, and the photo exhibition showcases not just the conference itself, but several covid-19 emergency projects that were carried out this year.
At a breakfast briefing on Monday, Philippe Majerus, director for SSRU, said that since the launch of the initiative, people were asking what they could “do daily to help survivors”. While donations are, of course, always welcome, “A lot of people want to get engaged in the cause: in speaking about it, to break the silence,” he added.
But not just individuals--businesses too. Meliá Luxembourg, for example, has already been partnering on the UN Global Compact and committed to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, which includes issues such as human rights and gender equality. Last year the hotel had already pledged its commitment to the initiative through special rates for forum participants. Chris Peeters, Meliá Luxembourg sales director, acknowledged how the current health pandemic has exacerbated the situation for the countries in which SSRU! has provided assistance. Peeters posed the question: “If it is difficult for us, how difficult must it be for those who are most vulnerable?”
The photo exhibition is already on display, and visitors have the possibility to scan accompanying QR codes to learn more about the stories of those featured in the images.
And on Saturday 17 October, two guided tours will take place at 11am and 3pm.
Fairtrade on the menu
As part of the initiative, Meliá has also launched a menu celebrating regional food and Fairtrade products. Meliá executive chef Louis Scholtès, who took on his role just over a year ago, has emphasised seasonality and the values behind products for the three-course meal.
The menu starts with a traditionally produced foie gras made with Luxembourg pinot noir and pepper from Nepal and Malaysia. The main course is a confit-style chuck steak (Paleron) and local vegetables, while dessert is a variation of Fairtrade chocolates with varying textures.
The menu costs €65 per person, €10 of which will be donated the Stand Speak Rise Up! initiative.