University Life ASH Berlin joins the nationwide "Alliance against Sexism"

Together with 685 alliance partners, the university is taking a strong stand against sexism in society.

ASH Berlin has joined the nationwide "Alliance against Sexism". The alliance, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and coordinated by EAF Berlin, focuses on sexism in the workplace, in public spaces and sexism in culture and the media. The aim is to recognize sexism and sexual harassment, take a closer look and establish effective measures against it.

The alliance also takes intersectional discrimination seriously and has supplemented the joint declaration accordingly. "Everyone can experience sexism and sexualized violence, but not everyone is affected equally," says Nina Lawrenz, Central Women's* and Gender Equality Officer at ASH Berlin. She continues: "Racialized and disabled women, trans, inter- or non-binary people who experience further marginalization experience sexism and sexualized violence to a particularly high degree. Prevention measures must therefore pay particular attention to them."

Sexism and hierarchical gender concepts lead to unequal distribution of opportunities and even violence. As educational institutions, universities have a special responsibility to raise awareness and protect university members. "Sexism, sexualized discrimination and violence occur in the hierarchical and dependent university context just as much as anywhere else. Constantly drawing attention to this and raising awareness remains a central task," says Peps Gutsche, a consultant in the "positioned and visible" project to develop a protection concept at ASH Berlin.

In autumn 2024, ASH Berlin will therefore also show the exhibition designed by the alliance in order to remove the taboos surrounding sexism and sexual harassment.