Look. Enlighten. Create structures.

Statement by the Equal Opportunities Officer on sexualised boundary crossing

"Sexualised boundary crossing contradicts the claim of Bielefeld University and the culture that is lived here. Unfortunately, it is also symptomatic of the problem in society as a whole: sexism is still played down in all areas of society, presented as funny or even as a compliment - be it the lewd calling out in public or sexist games and rituals.

In order to tackle this social problem, we as a university must lead by example. As early as 2001, Bielefeld University was one of the first universities in Germany to publish a guideline against sexualised discrimination and violence (SDG). The revision has been decided by the rectorate in summer 2022 and is currently being implemented.

We need to generate ideas and then establish processes that will curb sexism at the university in the long term. How can this be done? With the method: Look. Enlighten. Create structures. After looking at the current news case, the focus is now on raising awareness - talks first with the departmental student representative committees and faculties. We are developing systematic prevention and intervention measures, such as further training and anonymous complaint options.

It is an overall task of the university to initiate structural changes. Everyone is called upon to do this: the Equal Opportunities Officers as well as the deans, the students as well as the staff. Cultural change can only succeed if we work together.

Dr. Uschi Baaken and Siân Birkner
Bielefeld, 25.10.2022