Why did you take part in the initiative Sexism in Danish Higher Education and Research in October 2020?
I had absolutely no reservations, after 36 years in academia I have experience, seen and heard so much sexism from colleagues and between colleagues and students, and I have always found it very difficult to speak up. The few times I have done so, I have been either neglected, ridiculed or even spoken bad about afterwards.
What has been important to you before and after the publication of the signatures and the submission of the testimonies?
What is especially sad, is, that that junior scholars seem to experience sexism to a much larger degree than senior academics. Why this is, is really worth exploring with the purpose of doing everything possible to prevent it from happening.
Any other important reflections or aspects of the initiative and sexism in Academia, that you would like to dwell on or bring to light?
I am very proud of this group of younger female academics, who have taken the lead in this. It should have happened many years ago.
Any surprises or developments that you have been particularly struck by?
I strongly approve of the strategy of no mentioning of names. Since naming only creates heroes and villains. I also find, that the legal aspects of these cases need more clarifying – and I think it is really important to take different points of view seriously. It should be obvious, that the legal system is gendered. It is my hope that this and other initiatives will bring about a discussion and ideas of how to change the juridical system so it does not keep privileging men.