The Department of Biology combats all types of discrimination. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, contact one of the staff members or organisations under ‘Contact’, or one of the members of the group for gender equality and equal opportunities.

The Gender equality and equal opportunities group’s task is to draw attention to the problems that may exist in a workplace for those who are perceived as a minority. These are often problems not explicitly expressed by staff members but rather based on a cultural climate in society at large. It might entail indirectly having fewer opportunities to develop, change jobs, advance in their careers, etc., due to belonging to a certain group. Dividing people into groups instead of focusing on the individual is one of the main problems that we are trying to highlight.

Social norms of how various groups are, what jobs they are fit for, and who should naturally be in power, create indirect problems with regard to employment and careers, for example. Chances are high that someone who fits the “mould” for that particular job or task is deemed more suitable and subsequently appointed, even though everyone, in principle, has equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, age and/or sexuality. A system of discrimination may exist even though no one means any harm.

The group works to create a more inclusive workplace and raise awareness about any existing problems. We want to ensure that management sends a clear message with regard to discrimination, and shows their staff that it is a priority. In this capacity, we promote discussions about gender equality and equal opportunities, compile information about the situation at the workplace, distribute books and articles about gender equality in one way or another, organise seminars and workshops, and offer help and support to anyone who is experiencing problems.

Other members

The following links go to contact information on Lund University's Staff Pages.

• Jessica Abbott
• Helene Bracht Jörgensen
• Fredric Carlsson
• Josiane da Silva Freitas
• Aivars Cirulis
• Magne Friberg
• Åke Lindström
• David O'Carroll
• Jadranka Rota

Important equality websites

• Gender equality at Lund University's Staff pages
• The Government's gender equality pages
• The Equality Ombudsman (DO)
• Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research
• Psychosocial work environment