New VIVE report raises concerns

Recently, the National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare released the report 'A quantitative and qualitative study of Ph.D. students' experiences of sexism and retention in research careers'. Unfortunately, it makes for very uncomfortable reading.

The report paints a picture of an academic world where Ph.D. students are significantly subjected to sexist incidents that affect their work, health, and career choices. Female Ph.D. students, in particular, have unpleasant experiences.

The report reveals that:
- 37 percent of female Ph.D. students have experienced at least one verbal action that objectifies, excludes, or belittles them based on their gender during their Ph.D. education. The figure for male Ph.D. students is 21 percent.
- 32 percent of female Ph.D. students have experienced at least one malicious sexual comment, gesture, or exposure. For male Ph.D. students, the figure is 13 percent.
- 23 percent of female Ph.D. students have experienced behavior involving physical contact or attempts at such, sexual coercion, and other sexual behavior where power dynamics are actively involved, such as threats or rewards. For male Ph.D. students, it is 6 percent.

This is completely unacceptable, and it is something university managements across the board are focusing on. Therefore, on March 21st, the University Management sent out an email to all employees at the university regarding the report.

What do you do if you experience something?
The VIVE report deals with sexism, and it is something the AGRO management will focus on.

"But we don't stop here," says Jørgen E. Olesen, who explains that there are fundamental problems not only regarding sexism but also regarding the cultural backgrounds of the employees we have at the university. We simply need to become better at interacting with and respecting each other. We are an international workplace with colleagues from all over the world, and we must be conscious of that in our daily actions and interactions.

If you experience any form of offensive behavior, it is important that the management is made aware of it. You can do this in several ways:

1. You can go directly to the head of the department and tell them what you have experienced.
2. Talk to your own manager about it.
3. You can contact one of the representatives of the Liaison Committee (LSU).
4. You can talk to one of the members of our PhD Committee.
5. Talk to your supervisor or a colleague about it and ask them to help bring it to the attention of management.
6. Read more here.

Good behavior and respect are not only crucial internally at the department and the university; they are crucial everywhere in society. Good behavior and respect are also mutual, so consider how your statements and behavior are perceived by others.