Sexual Harassment Awareness Day

Sexual harassment is a societal issue — one that is inseparably linked to the exercise of power and to prevailing gender relations. Higher education institutions are not only part of wider society but have their own cultures of success, hierarchy and power. At the same time, higher education institutions hold a unique potential: through their commitment to critical reflection, lifelong learning and the shaping of future generations, they are exceptionally well placed to lead the way toward a culture of mutual respect.

In his keynote, Prof. Dirk Baier will present empirical findings on sexual harassment and its enabling factors — with a particular focus on higher education. The floor will then be given to Klara Sasse and Dr. Rachel Démolis, representing students and early-career researchers, to voice their concerns and demands. Together, we will explore questions such as:

• How can those affected make themselves heard?
• How can preventive measures reach perpetrators rather than place the burden solely on those at risk?
• How can we step out of relationships of dependency and engage in constructive conversations across existing power differentials?
• To what extent are higher education institutions responsible for boundary violating behaviour among students?

From raising awareness to joint action. Let’s take the next step together.