Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - The Central Women's Representative

Fighting against Sexualised Discrimination and Violence

As part of a broad campaign against sexualized discrimination and violence, the central Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer and her team regularly organize action days, workshops, and panel discussions.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women*

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th, Humboldt University of Berlin is taking a clear stand against all forms of sexualized discrimination and violence.

Gender-based violence can take many forms, ranging from physical, bodily, or sexual violence within partnerships to sexual harassment in public spaces. It also includes forced marriages and human trafficking. Violence against women is rooted, among other factors, in historically unequal power relations between men and women and is perpetuated in German society through ongoing structural disadvantages faced by women.

Action Week 2024 for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women* - a Series of Events for FLINTA*

November 25 - December 1, 2024

The Action Week aims to raise awareness about sexualized discrimination, harassment, and violence at Humboldt University and to support those affected through various offerings.

 

#MenForEquality Campaign

 

The campaign aims to highlight the involvement of cisgender men in the fight against violence towards women* and TIN individuals. Additionally, we seek to inspire other men to take an active stand against sexualized discrimination, harassment, and violence. Each day, a different ambassador will be featured, focusing on a specific topic related to sexualized discrimination, harassment, and violence at Humboldt University. Each ambassador will present a video related to their topic.

The content will be shared through HU's social media channels, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as on the HU website and intranet.

 

Exhibition Opening "Invisible"
Monday, November 25, 2024 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Senate Hall, Main Building, Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berli

 

The exhibition "Invisible" addresses the invisibility of violence against women* in society. Approximately twelve artists from the Pussart collective will display their works from November 25 to December 13, 2024, in the foyer of the main building at Humboldt University (Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin). The exhibition will then move to Adlershof for International Women's Day on March 8, 2024. The opening of the exhibition will feature two performances by artists Nik Maksimyuk and Andreea Hriscu from the collective. Nik Maksimyuk will perform an interactive piece expressing the passivity of being a victim, where audience members can move her like a puppet. Andreea Hriscu will present a live sound/painting performance, providing an embodied insight into the psychological and emotional processes of abuse survivors. Following the performances, a DJ will play music, creating an atmosphere for both conversation and dancing. Refreshments will be provided.

Registration is requested: caroline.kunert@hu-berlin.de

 

Utopia Workshop "Safer Spaces" - in collaboration with RefRat
Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Auditorium, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Center, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 1/3, 10117 Berlin

 

In the Utopia Workshop, we aim to create a platform for networking and exchange on various forms of discrimination. Affected students are warmly invited to discuss and connect on topics such as sexism, racism, studying with children, queerness, disability and illness, and classism. Each station will be led by sensitive and affected individuals.

In the second part, small groups will engage in a Utopia Workshop to brainstorm and discuss how to create safer, less discriminatory spaces at Humboldt University.

 

Mutausbruch Workshop
Date and Location will be announced

 

Sexualized discrimination and harassment can occur in any area of life—whether in public spaces, at work, at university, or in private environments. The responsibility always lies with the individuals committing the violence.

In this workshop, we will focus on:

 

  • Developing a positive approach to self-confidence and self-assurance
  • Examining different forms of violence, including verbal and physical
  • Guided exercises to establish personal boundaries
  • Practical techniques and strategies for self-assertion
  • A concluding relaxation exercise

During the event, there will be opportunities to ask questions and address the specific needs of the participants.

About the Trainer:

Hannah Przygoda is a feminist martial arts instructor. Her courses are based on an understanding of the causes, manifestations, and consequences of gender-specific violence. She aims to encourage participants to develop a new sense of their own bodies and practice self-assertion through training.

 

HU as a Mirror of Society

Violence against women is not confined to social hotspots; it occurs across all social strata and is not exempt from the academic community. Every university reflects society at large, and therefore, Humboldt University (HU) members are also affected by sexual violence, bullying, cyberbullying, and structural discrimination. The HU is committed to making improvements in these areas.

The HU's Equality Program, the Caroline von Humboldt Program, aims to combat structural disadvantages through comprehensive measures. The central women’s representative and her deputies are available to support those affected. We provide information on (cyber)bullying and stalking, and each year, an action week is held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Our goal is to raise awareness among all HU members, inform those affected about counseling services, and make it clear: Sexual harassment and violence are not tolerated at HU!

We Are Here to Help

As the women's and equality representatives, we act impartially in the interest of those affected by sexual discrimination and violence. We encourage you to stand up against any form of sexual discrimination and violence!

If you are affected or if you become aware that someone else is affected, please feel free to reach out to us or your designated decentralized women's and equality representative. Your information will be handled confidentially and, if desired, anonymously. In urgent cases or outside our office hours, please contact the police and/or HU security services. Additionally, you have the option to seek help from an external counseling service.

 
 
Further information