Exhibition "Gemeinsam gegen Sexismus" | "Together against sexism"

Sexism means the discrimination, devaluation, oppression and violation of persons on the basis of their gender. Sexism is rooted in gender stereotypes and role models that are based on a status hierarchy between the sexes, with masculinity being assumed to be the superior norm.
Sexism occurs in many different forms, both analogue and digital, and can lead to unequal distribution of participation, development opportunities and resources, to exclusion, sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sexism affects us all – and yet we are reluctant to talk about it.

To raise awareness of the issue and encourage reflection, the University of Jena is hosting the exhibition ‘Together Against Sexism’ from 25 November to 2 December 2025. The exhibition provides clear information, facts and figures on the manifestations and effects of sexism in various contexts. It also shows ways in which sexism can be recognised and counteracted in everyday life. The exhibition was developed by the alliance ‘Together Against Sexism’ in cooperation with the ‘European Academy for Women in Politics and Business’. It is presented in German, English and easy-to-read language.

Book reading and discussion

Franziska Saxler reads from her work ‘Er hat dich noch nicht mal angefasst’ (He didn't even touch you) – a text that tackles the subject of psychological violence with fearlessness and surprising optimism. It deals with boundary violations and the long-lasting effects of the invisible. Saxler recounts experiences that are often trivialised or overlooked. Her text is not merely an indictment, but a multi-layered look at power, powerlessness and the arduous struggle for self-assertion. Particularly in a university context, the reading asks how institutional power structures, hierarchies and relationships of dependency (e.g. in supervisory and employment relationships) make boundary violations more likely – and what universities can do to strengthen protection, transparency and responsiveness. The reading offers more than literature: it creates a space for exchange, reflection and quiet anger – as well as for hope and inner strength. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to discuss the topic with the author.
Please note: The event may touch on sensitive topics (including psychological/sexual violence).

Franziska Saxler is a psychologist, author of ‘Er hat dich noch nicht mal angefasst’ (He didn't even touch you) (Ullstein) and a doctoral candidate at the University of Bern with a dissertation on harassment in the workplace. Her initiative, metooscience, deals with sexism and harassment in an academic context.

The exhibition will be shown at all universities in Thuringia around the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women" on 25 November as part of the UN campaign ‘Orange the World’. Further information on the exhibition locations at other universities in Thuringia and the accompanying programme of events can be found hereExternal link. We would like to thank the Thuringian Competence Network for Gender Equality for its coordination and support.