When we first heard of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse, many thought this was something typical for the American film industry. But #MeToo, that has become a strong force for equality, showed that this behavior of the powerful was all around. Have we been ignorant? Did we look away too often thinking it all isn’t that bad?

Now, two years after the start of #MeToo, it is important to see where we stand. When do we speak of sexual harassment? Where do we draw the line? Has anything changed? What can we do to prevent and fight it? We can change laws, but how to make a necessary cultural shift? How do we turn the tide on the abuse of power?

In this debate we not only take a broad perspective but also address the issue within the university community. We want to talk about inequality in society in general, but also translate this to the working environment and more specific the academic world. We want to look at what can be done about it (culture, policy, law, putting it on the table, awareness) up to the personal level (psychology, help, law, understanding).

Moderator
Rob van Duijn, Studium Generale Maastricht

With

• Linda Duits, PhD, is a Dutch writer, publicist and researcher specialized in gender and media studies. Most of her time is devoted to disseminating academic knowledge. However, she still conducts research as well. She is affiliated with the Institute for Cultural Inquiry of Utrecht University. Her reaction to #MeToo: ‘Such a hashtag gives women the power to step outside because they know they are not the only ones.’
• ​Laila Ait Baali is programme manager Political Lobby of Wo-Men, a platform that fights for global gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. She follows national and international politics closely. She is committed to keep women’s rights and gender equality on the political agenda.
• Gesa Lange, PhD, is student counsellor at the University College Maastricht (UCM). Together with colleague Alice Wellum she is bringing an evidence-based sexual assault prevention programme to Maastricht University (EAAA). The plan is to pilot this programme at UCM this academic year, and, pending positive evaluations, adapt it towards wider UM use.
• Puck Barton is coordinator of Dionyx, the student queer organisation of Maastricht and Limburg.
• Sanne Thijssen is a young professional who’s passionate about human rights, social development, gender and health. She founded Shake The Dust, born from her ambition to shift perspectives, create unique solutions and hold engaging conversations. She wants to get the most out of young people’s talents and insights and wants to create a world where sexual and reproductive health and rights is more than a term, where it means change for all.