Sexism
Definition
“Sexism is the discrimination and prejudice people experience based on their gender. Sexism upholds a system of patriarchy where men have historically held more power, privilege, and authority while women, trans people, non-binary people, and other gender minorities are subordinate to them. Sexism is perpetuated through stereotypes, negative attitudes, and cultural norms.”
the rate of discrimination for women students compared to men
1.5x 58% of B.C. post-secondary learners are women
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Sexism is reinforced through stereotypes, cultural norms, media representations, and everyday interactions. Sexism shows up in unequal pay, gendered expectations, underrepresentation in leadership, and gender-based violence, as well as in more subtle forms such as dismissive communication, sexualized comments, or assumptions about competence.
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In post-secondary education, sexism can influence hiring and promotion practices, campus safety, classroom dynamics, and whose voices and perspectives are valued in academic spaces. Gender-inclusive policies, equitable representation, and safer campuses benefit everyone by creating learning environments where students of all genders can participate.
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Sexist microaggressions police behaviour, emotions, and self-expression. When repeated, they contribute to systems that limit women’s participation and safety on campus and other public spaces.
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Macroaggressions are overt, obvious, or institutionalised forms of discrimination. These can be individual actions, like slurs, harassment, exclusion, or targeting someone because of their identity. They can also be systemic patterns, such as inaccessible buildings, biased policies, or a lack of support for marginalised students.
Where microaggressions are often subtle and unintentional, macroaggressions are more direct, and their impact is immediate, harmful, and serious.
GENDER-BASED resources for students
Canadian Women’s Foundation
The Canadian Women’s Foundation advances gender justice and equity by building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change.
West Coast LEAF
West Coast LEAF works to deepen justice and substantive equality for women and people who experience gender discrimination.
Let’s Get Consensual
Knowing sexual violence disproportionately affects women and gender-diverse groups, we have attached a link to our website, where you can learn more about the Let’s Get Consensual campaign.