For the third time, Swiss higher education and research institutions are organizing the Sexual Harassment Awareness Day (SHAD) on April 21, 2026, to promote a university environment free from harassment. EPFL is contributing to this important initiative.
Sexism and sexual harassment are a reality in the academic landscape. To prevent and deal with sexual harassment in our study and work environments, we need to reflect on our own behavior, in an evolving society, respect the boundaries of others and take responsibility for ourselves and our fellow colleagues, staff, and students.
Information and Discussion Booth
On April 21 between 11 am and 2 pm, an information and discussion booth will be set up in the corridor at the corner of the CE and BS buildings at EPFL, in front of room CE1 6. Come meet the team from the Equal Opportunities Office and the Well‑being and Inclusion department to discuss your concerns regarding sexual harassment and to learn more about the resources available. → See the map
Online Discussion
Prof. Dirk Baier will present empirical findings on sexual harassment and the structural factors that enable it. What role do dominance ideologies play in academic settings? And what makes it so difficult for those affected to come forward?
Discussion Biscuits
Fortune cookies with discussion questions will be handed out on the EPFL campus on April 21. Here you can find all the questions, along with the perspective of a legal expert specializing in equality issues.
EPFL position statements
EPFL President Anna Fontcuberta i Morral and three large-class teachers highlight the crucial role of bystanders in combating sexual harassment.
 |
 |
 |
 |
ARCHIVES
2025
EPFL position statements
Ines Ariceta, Director a.i. of the Well-being and Inclusion (WINC) domain, Trust and Support Network (TSN) Lead, and Marianne Wannier, Vice President for Human Development (VPH), share a message on the occasion of SHAD 2025.
 |
 |
Events at EPFL
Theater Forum at EPFL
The play “Coffee Machine” is based on research conducted by Dr. Kléa Faniko at the University of Geneva. It presents scenes of “ordinary sexism” experienced in the academic context, performed by professional actors, and invites specta(c)tors to enter the stage to help the scenario evolve. Two performances are planned, one on May 8 in French, another one on May 27 in English. Members of the student body, administrative and technical staff, mid-level faculty, and professorial staff are all invited to participate.
May 8, 2025
In French
May 27, 2025
In English
2024 national video
With statements from various stakeholders engaged in the fight against harassment in Swiss higher education institutions.
2023 national video
With statements from all the rectors and presidents of Swiss higher education institutions.
2024 news
“Sexual harassment victims often blame themselves”
On 25 April, Swiss universities will hold their second annual Sexual Harassment Awareness Day – the perfect opportunity for us at EPFL to assess how we’re doing in this area, one year after we introduced a new directive on psychosocial risks.
2024 poster campaign
Contact
SHAD coordination at EPFL:
Ines Ariceta, Director of the Well-being and Inclusion (WINC) domain, Trust and Support Network (TSN) Lead, with the support the Equal Opportunity Office Team