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  “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].

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 Sexism in Language

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

Prevent Sexism