A group of students recently attended an impactful conference featuring speaker Matt Brown, founder of the “She Is Not Your Rehab” campaign — a global movement encouraging men to heal from trauma without harming others.
The event addressed important topics such as misogyny and respect, abuse, and relationships, sparking meaningful reflection amongst the group.
The conference was not just an opportunity to step outside the classroom but also a chance to engage with issues affecting people worldwide.
“It was a good topic to talk about,” said Jenko, adding that discussions like these raise awareness of problems that often go unnoticed in everyday news.
Others, like Rami, admitted they didn’t know what to expect. “I thought there would just be a speaker on abuse, but I didn’t expect someone so influential,” he said.
Students reflected on the idea that healing starts from within — that no one else can fix you or take responsibility for your personal pain.
Eltaher said, “You have to dig deep into your heart to fix yourself and not rely on others.” Zviko added, “Everyone has their ups and downs, but that’s not a pass to disrespect or hurt others.”
While most students agreed with Matt Brown’s ” She Is Not Your Rehab’s message, some found the talk challenged their perceptions.
Eltaher shared that he was surprised to learn about Matt’s past in gang life, saying it changed his assumptions about people with similar backgrounds: “I thought gang members would be more violent, but Matt’s story showed that people can change.”
Rami also noted that parts of the talk made him think differently about cultural generalisations and the importance of understanding context in discussions around abuse, misogyny and respect.
Students agreed that events like this are vital for raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about topics such as misogyny and respect.
“People don’t read the news often, and this helps raise awareness,” said Jenko.
Wadee added, “It teaches kids about global issues — misogyny isn’t just local, it’s everywhere.”
Several students highlighted that young people, especially college students, are at an age when relationships are forming, making it crucial to challenge harmful behaviours early.
To build on this momentum, students offered creative ideas to promote respect and tackle misogyny on college campuses. Suggestions included weekly discussion sessions, anonymous support platforms, personal storytelling websites, and more youth-led advocacy.
The conference clearly left a lasting impression on attendees. As Rami summed up,
“It’s important to keep women safe in society and to educate men.”
By creating spaces for honest conversations, colleges in Wales can continue to empower students to challenge misogyny, support one another, and build communities grounded in respect and empathy — carrying forward the message of Matt Brown, She Is Not Your Rehab and the importance of lasting change.
