Estonian universities and Estonian Research Council call to act on injustice

All Estonian public universities celebrated Diversity Week from 5–11 May for the second year. This year’s focus was on encouraging people to notice and to act. The week offered ideas and practical guidance on how to react as a bystander to bullying, gender-based violence, abuse and unequal treatment in the learning and working environment.

The Diversity Week was organised by the Estonian public universities: the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn University, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and the Estonian Academy of Arts in collaboration with the Estonian Research Council and experts in diversity and inclusion. Students, staff and all others interested are invited to participate and contribute their ideas.

“Inclusion and appreciating diversity begin with noticing the people around you – even a small intervention can give a voice to someone currently silent. However, when bystanders just watch and do nothing, they can weaken the victim and empower the bully instead. The action does not have to be large and formal – often, simply drawing attention to the problem is enough. A bystander’s courage to act can mark the beginning of a significant change,” said Monica Klaas-Kütt, one of the coordinators of the Diversity Week, Commissioner for Equal Treatment at Tallinn University.

The week started on Monday, 5 May, with a video address from students emphasising the importance of developing a culture of intervention and highlighting how university members can contribute to creating a safer and more caring learning and working environment.

On the same day, a new practical guide that helps understand and practise intervention behaviour was presented. The guide, which was compiled by the universities’ equal treatment and human resources experts, aims to give clear and user-friendly guidance on how to react when you notice abuse or unequal treatment.

On Tuesday, 6 May, 11:00–12:30, there was a Microsoft Teams webinar with a presentation by Fredrik Bondestam, Associate Professor in Sociology at Uppsala University and Director of the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Studies at the University of Gothenburg. His presentation focused on ending gender-based violence at universities and other research institutions, discussing the role of universities and research funding organisations, and experiences from other countries. The event was recorded and can be viewed on the YouTube channel of the Estonian Research Council.

On Wednesday, 7 May, 10:00–12:00, a public discussion titled “Dare to act: why and how?”, focusing on the practical side of the culture of intervention, was held at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School of Tallinn University. Experts explained why people often hesitate to intervene, and they shared tips on how to do it effectively and safely. The aim was to encourage the audience, and give them knowledge and specific guidance on how to respond when witnessing bullying, harassment or unfair treatment. The discussion was moderated by Elina Kivinukk, a Psychologist and Equal Treatment Officer at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. The panellists include Triin Toomesaar, a former head of SA Kiusamisvaba Kool (Bullying-Free School Foundation), Johan Pastarus, Mental Health Consultant of the Labour Inspectorate, and Helina Loor, a guest lecturer at Tallinn University and Instructional Designer for President Kaljulaid Foundation. The panel discussion was recorded and can be watched on the YouTube channel of the Estonian Research Council.

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