National Day Against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education
“Who comes too close goes too far”
The National Day Against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education serves to highlight the issue of sexual harassment in higher education, to raise awareness among members of universities or higher education institutions, and to provide information about advisory services.
Next Action Day on 21 April 2026
The next Sexual Harassment Awareness Day will take place on 21 April 2026.
The main event of the national SHAD network, “From Awareness to Action: Together Against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education,” will open on April 21 at 12:15 pm with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Dirk Baier.
Lunchtime Event «From Awareness to Action: Together Against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education»
Panelists
- Prof. Dirk Baier, zhaw
- Dr. Rachel Démolis, actionuni
- Klara Sasse, VSS-UNES-USU
- 21 April 12.15-13.15 pm University of St. Gallen, SQUARE
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 this broader society — they also harbour their own distinct cultures of success, hierarchy, and power. At the same time, higher education institutions hold a unique potential: through their commitment to critical reflection, the formation of young people, and lifelong learning, they are exceptionally well placed to lead the way toward a culture of mutual respect.
On the occasion of Sexual Harassment Awareness Day, we invite students and early-career researchers to an open and courageous conversation.
The event will open with a keynote input by Prof. Dirk Baier, who will present empirical findings on sexual harassment and the structural factors that enable it — with a particular focus on the higher education context. What role do dominance ideologies play in academic settings? And what makes it so difficult for those affected to come forward?
The floor will then be given to students and early-career researchers to voice their concerns and demands. Together, we will explore questions such as:
- How can those affected make their voices heard?
- To what extent are institutions responsible — and should also offer a point of contact and guidance even in off-campus settings such as student parties?
- How can prevention measures reach perpetrators rather than placing the burden solely on those at risk?
- How can we step out of relationships of dependency and engage in constructive dialogue across existing power differentials?
This event is not just about raising awareness — it is about taking the next step together. Find more Information and the Link to the Online-Event here: Kampagne | Sexual Harassment Awareness Day
Events at UZH
Various events are taking place at UZH:
- 08:00 - 12:15: Various flyer campaigns by the departments for Protection against Sexual Harassment at UZH (RSB), Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Communications at the Irchel, Oerlikon and City Centre campuses
- 09:00 - 17:30: «What were you wearing?», Exhibition in the atrium of the main building, organized by SAV – Students Against Violence
- 12:00 - 13:15: «Inclusive Leadership – wie gute Führung Vertrauen und Sicherheit schafft», Lunch talk for (aspiring) leaders in medicine, organized by the Faculty of Medicine (in German). Sexual Harassment Awareness Day 2026 | Faculty of Medicine
- 12:15 - 13:15: «From Awareness to Action: Together Against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education», Lunch talk with Prof. Dirk Baier, Dr. Rachel Démolis and Klara Sasse; national event organized by the University of St. Gallen for the national SHAD network (in English), online participation via Campaign | Sexual Harassment Awareness Day
Protection Against Sexual Harassment at the University of Zurich
Sexual harassment can affect individuals of any gender or gender identity. If there is a power imbalance in a case of sexual harassment or sexist behavior, the consequences can be particularly harmful. The Regulations on Protection against Sexual Harassment at the University of Zurich (RSB) and the structures guarantee to help to create a positive climate for studying, working, teaching and researching at the University of Zurich – free from sexual harassment and sexist behavior.
Protection Against Sexual Harassment at the University of Zurich
We are here for you
Have you been affected by sexual harassment? Are you unsure if something that took place at work or university was sexual harassment or sexist behavior? Or do you want to know how to take preventative action against sexual boundary violations in your work or study environment? The contact persons of the RSB committee and the investigating person are there for you. For more information, please refer to our fact sheet or flyer on sexual harassment. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for a confidential and uncomplicated initial conversation.
Contacts and Investigating Person
