The Stigma Challenge is an annual project organized by EMSA Antwerp with the aim of breaking down stigmas and making taboo subjects discussable within EMSA Antwerp, the University of Antwerp, and beyond. Although some themes may seem obvious to many, they are often still considered taboo in society at large. With this project, we as a working group want to contribute to greater openness and awareness.

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In recent years, topics such as Coming Out Day, HIV/AIDS, homophobia, and transphobia have been addressed. In 2025, the Stigma Challenge focused on “Embody, Embrace, Empower.” A social media campaign was set up for this purpose, and we organized a Sip & Craft event.

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Every year, the Stigma Challenge is organized around a national theme. We develop this with an awareness campaign, supplemented with, for example, a creative or sporting activity.

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In 2025-2026, we will once again commit ourselves to breaking through another stigma. The project usually takes place at the beginning of the second semester. The working group leader will invite the working group members to an initial brainstorming meeting, after which an activity related to the theme will be chosen together. As a working group member, you can help organize the activity or help realize the social media campaign.