Campaign “Sexism is everyday life”

What is the limit of what is reasonable - what is okay, what is “allowed” to be said and heard? A campaign by the decentralized equal opportunities department of the Ruhr University's Faculty of Medicine, which translates the experiences of those affected into words and images.

We experience it in the media, at work, in sport, among colleagues, even among friends - sexism. In 2020, a pilot study by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth showed that 44% of all women and 32% of all men experience sexist signs and assaults from others, with 14% of all women and 11% of all men experiencing it several times a month (Link).

When talking to other people, it quickly becomes clear that sexism is perceived very differently on all sides. For those addressed by sexism, the spectrum ranges from shrugging their shoulders and rolling their eyes to helplessness, sadness and anger. On the other hand, many of the senders of sexism are not aware of the impact of their messages, are intentionally provocative and joking and rarely admit to problematic behavior. The question often arises as to the limits of what is acceptable - what is okay, what is “allowed” to be said and heard?

Our poster campaign addresses this topic in images and statements. The texts were created exclusively based on feedback from those affected and show the spectrum from open hostility to subtle discrimination.

In the university context as a place of work and study, it must be assumed that particularly high standards for non-discriminatory communication apply, especially with regard to the inherent hierarchy from superiors to employees or teachers to students.

Our action is intended to be both a campaign to raise awareness and a basis for discussion in our own environment.

What can be said depends on what you feel is appropriate. This is why a personal conversation is the best step towards communication that is free of discrimination and sexism.

Ask your employees, colleagues, students, fellow students, friends (and, if in doubt, the Equal Opportunities Office) which communication style is appropriate. Show that sexism and discrimination are far from your mind. If you are the recipient of discriminatory communication, please give clear and appropriate feedback and give the other person the chance to reconsider their behavior.

Rest assured: you are not alone. Almost all of us have had experiences like this and we are a place you can always turn to. We are also happy to refer you to other internal and external contact points.

Decentralized Equal Opportunities
of the Faculty of Medicine

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Campaign “Sexism is everyday life”

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