Event Review || Gender Equality and Mutual Respect in University

On Jan. 19th, Prof. Diana Lee, Chairperson of CUHK Committee Against Sexual Harassment, along with Ms. Yvonne Luk, Secretary of the CUHK Committee gave us a lecture on the topic of “Gender Equality and Mutual Respect in University”, with the purpose to promote gender equality and the awareness of self-protection in CUHK(SZ).

Prof. Lee first identified the difference between “Sex” and “Gender”. She pointed out that we shall embrace cultural diversity by showing respect to people with different gender identities, regardless of their sexes. Besides, gender relationships on campus are not limited to the relationship between different sexes, because relationships between the same sex are also counted as gender relationships.

To build a gender-equal campus, all students shall have equal access to education. Any external factor or a hostile environment cannot deprive students of their right to education. A gender-equal campus would embrace uniqueness and diversity in students and help every one of them to tap their potentials.

On the topic of sexual harassment, Prof. Lee defined it as “any verbal or non-verbal action that makes the other feel being offended, threatened, or insulted.” Additionally, creating a sex-related hostile and intimidating environment is also considered as sexual harassment.

A single sexual misconduct constitutes sexual harassment. If it is safe to do so, victims shall take actions immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Ms. Luk gave several vivid examples to alert us to the dangers of sexual harassment. She then introduced the Committee Against Sexual Harassment of CUHK and the efforts they have made in preventing sexual harassment on CUHK campus. An online training module was also introduced to help us gain more knowledge about how to protect ourselves when facing sexual harassment on campus.