What to do in case of gender-based harassment and discrimination

If you have experienced gender-based harassment or discrimination — whether it involves inappropriate comments or behavior, sexual harassment, disturbing content in course materials, or stalking — please know that you don’t have to deal with it alone. Whatever you decide to do, and whenever you feel ready to do it, support is available to you.

ETH-wide support:

You can contact the ETH Respect Office directly. They provide support for issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The office is staffed by experienced counselors and coaches who offer strictly confidential guidance, help you assess your situation, and support you in deciding on appropriate next steps.

For a full overview of all central ETH points of contact — including for threats, stalking and violence, workplace conflicts, and scientific integrity — see the Staffnet page for support when faced with inappropriate behaviour or conflict.

Department-specific support:

For ITET students, an overview of points of contact is available here, and you can also reach out directly to Audrey Djouadi, part of the Study Coordination, Administration and Teaching team at ITET, and a trusted point of contact for students seeking guidance and support in these situations. Audrey can help you navigate ETH’s procedures and resources, confidentially and with care.

For MAVT students, an overview of points of contact is available on the department’s code of conduct and conflict resolution page. All members of the D-MAVT department management are available as contact persons, as is the D-MAVT EDI Commission, made up of students, staff and professors working on equity, diversity and inclusion.

Further support:

If you have already reached out through these channels and feel that your concerns have not been adequately addressed, or if you prefer to share your experience anonymously, you can use the ETH Whistleblowing System.

What to do in case of inappropriate lecture content

Even everyday or casual sexism is worth speaking up about. You can raise your concerns directly with the professor involved, for example during a break, or flag them anonymously in the end-of-semester course feedback. You’re also welcome to reach out to one of the department contacts listed above, or to us directly. Teaching staff aren’t always aware of the impact of their words or actions, and pointing it out, even just once, can be enough to prompt real change.