Sexism

Sexism can take many forms. Learn how to recognize it, find support if you're affected, and help others who experience it.

Home Help & Advice FH OÖ Compass Life Sexism

FH OÖ’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

FH OÖ Compass upholds the 10 guiding principles of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. Therefore, FH OÖ Compass upholds guiding principle 2, which states: “We represent a value system that does not tolerate any form of discrimination, be it on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual orientation.”

Additionally, the university Compass site upholds guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.”

FH OÖ commits to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Here you’ll find resources to identify, prevent, and report sexism.

Identify Sexism

According to the Council of Europe, sexism is defined as the following:

Any act, gesture or behavior
- connected with the sex of a person or considering that person as inferior or essentially reduced to her or his sexual dimension
- connected to harmful gender stereotypes
Committed in a public or private place
With the purpose or effect of:
- violating the dignity of a person, or of
- creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” 1

Sexism is gender-based discrimination, and includes gender stereotypes and prejudiced behaviour patterns, false beliefs and attitudes, and gender generalizations. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, “sexism is linked to power in that those with power are typically treated with favor and those without power are typically discriminated against.” 2

It is also related to “considering gender as relevant where it is not.” 3

In order to identify sexism, it’s essential to become aware of your own perspective and biases, which are often a result of your upbringing, life experiences, and country of origin. Educate yourself and expand your perspectives by unlearning your own biases and engaging in constructive conversations with others.

The FH OÖ Compass upholds the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.” FH OÖ students are encouraged to ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all.

1 Council of Europe (n.d), “Elements of a Council of Europe Definition of Sexism,” (accessed January 11, 2024), [available at https://rm.coe.int/16806fbc0d#:~:text=Sexism%20can%20be%20understood%20to,to%20her%20or%20his%20sexual.].

2, 3 “sexism | European Institute for Gender Equality” (2023), (accessed January 11, 2024), [available at https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/thesaurus/terms/1325?language_content_entity=en].

Identify Sexism in Everyday Life

The #MeToo movement has shown that discrimination against women is still deeply rooted in society. Even at a young age, people are shaped by role models and stereotypes in which, for example, girls are portrayed as beautiful, gentle and sensitive, while boys are adventurous, courageous and strong.

Sexism occurs in many everyday situations and, therefore, is often more than an accumulation of individual cases. Sexism, including sexist language, statements, and stereotypes, are discriminatory, and when addressed are, unfortunately, often belittled, ignored or socially accepted.

Especially in the professional context, sexism, including sexist language, statements, and stereotypes, can occur. Because of the professional environment, it is often difficult for victims to directly address the incidents, especially when sexist comments are made by a superior or colleague.

It is a structural problem that affects all people and requires a fundamental rethinking in society. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the problem, educate yourself, and expand your perspectives by unlearning your own biases and engaging in constructive conversations with others.

Identify sexist language

Discrimination against women is particularly visible in language, for example, women are often degraded or implied only in certain contexts. The so-called generic masculine is used to describe mixed gender groups and includes both men and women (e.g. teachers, students, employees, politicians, etc.). These word forms are referred to as “neutral”, although the connotation is strongly masculine, which contributes to sexist language.

However, it is not only the use of the generic masculine language that reflects sexism at the linguistic level. Words that have to do with the female body, female sexuality or homosexuality are often used as abusive words, and thus discriminate.

Sexist expressions and forms of linguistic sexism have crept unnoticed into language usage over the years, and have been passed on inadvertently. This makes it all the more important to respect everyone and use inclusive language. The University commits to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Learn more about inclusive language here: FH OÖ handout on gender-sensitive language

Article of: Sexism in television

Recommendations to prevent Sexism

Despite the efforts for equality and equal treatment for all genders, sexism unfortunately occurs. Remember that sexism is never acceptable and every person has the right to be respected. Here are some recommendations to help prevent sexism, and ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all.

Recall facts of the situation

If you are a victim of sexism, including sexist statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. You are not alone.

If possible, try to maintain a calm, sensible mindset to address the situation. If you feel comfortable, speak to a trusted friend or classmate about the incident so that you are not alone with the trauma. If you feel comfortable, talk to an FH OÖ professor or staff member to determine the next course of action. If you feel comfortable, report it here: Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Stand up to sexism

If you witness sexism and sexist statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. Be an ally and stand in solidarity with victims by making your presence known, listening to the victim’s recollection of the situation, reminding victims that they are not alone, and asking if and how they want support.

Commit to ensuring that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all by listening to and supporting victims.

Educate yourself and expand your perspectives

Commit to expanding your perspectives. Engage in conversations with people who are different than you are — in life experiences, language, ethnic origin, gender, religion, ideology, and age — to learn about their perspectives and understand how sexism affects them. Commit to unlearning your own biases and educate yourself about how to stand up to sexism and to promote equality and equal treatment for all genders.

If you see something, say something!

You cannot control the behaviour of others, but you can help ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all. It’s possible to help prevent sexism by directly addressing it and reporting it. For example, call out sexism by stating “That view is offensive” or “That behaviour is discriminatory and disrespectful.”

If you feel comfortable, anonymously report it here: Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Further information to identify, prevent, and report sexism

Learn more about the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-C)

Need some Help?

Contact the ÖH FH OÖ Student Helpline

European Institute for Gender Equality: Sexism at work

SorotimistEurope: Sexism

Tradwives and Incels

Traditional gender roles and often unrealistic ideas about relationships have taken the internet by storm.

What are Tradwives?

A “tradwife” is a woman who, according to outdated gender roles, sees it as her sole responsibility to “serve” her husband, cook, clean, and have children.

In principle, there is nothing wrong with personally wanting a “traditional relationship/family.” It only becomes problematic when the focus is no longer on one’s own relationship, but on restricting other people’s freedoms as well.

What are Incels?

An “incel” is a man who, due to poor or nonexistent sexual and relationship experiences (with women), shares misogynistic views.

Not every person who is involuntarily single or struggles with dating is part of a misogynistic incel ideology. Loneliness and rejection are real hardships. It becomes problematic when personal frustration turns into hatred, dehumanization, or fantasies of violence.

How do these two phenomena relate to each other?

Tradwives are often seen by incels as the “perfect partners” because they fit their idea of a “good woman.” Together, these two phenomena can reinforce misogynistic worldviews.

Here is more information on this topic: