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Sexism ignored amongst students

By Holly Sawyer

STUDENT experiences with sexism and discrimination are occurring regularly despite a rise in equality, with Bournemouth University being no exception.

Emma Baker, Gender Equality Officer for SUBU has spoken out on the matter.

Emma said: “Speaking as a woman and on behalf of my female friends, we have become so used to sexist remarks, that it becomes second nature to deal with them by simply ignoring them.

“However, it reaches a certain point where you owe it to yourself to react and defend yourself.

“On almost every walk home from university when I am waiting to cross at the roundabout, I am catcalled in some way by people in their vans or cars.

“I have also been repeatedly spoken down to at work by men who disregard my intelligence because I am a woman.”

The ‘hidden marks’ report published in 2010, by the National Union of Students, found a shocking figure of 68% of students had been harassed during their time at university.

Within this report, students stated that “groping” during a night out was classed as “normal” behaviour, a part of university life rather than sexism or humiliation for those involved.

With one student claiming that society is “desensitized” to these remarks.

The growth of “lad culture” is seemingly affecting the reports of sexism in society, although Bournemouth University has no particular issues of note.

Debatably sexism towards males is sparingly discussed stated Emma: “The rape of men isn’t taken as seriously in our society.

“It is also saddening that there is little or no help for male victims of rape such as rape crisis centres or hotlines.”

Emma is currently aiding students by setting up a Sexual Harassment Policy within the Union: “Hopefully this will encourage anyone facing sexual harassment to report it, and then we can help.

“The Welfare council is always here to ensure that everyone at university feels safe and secure.

“Anyone facing this issue can get in touch with us or SUBU directly.”