KI shall have a good working and study environment that is free from discrimination and violations. Discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, victimisation and bullying must be prevented and dealt with immediately in cases where they occur. It is important that all staff and students contribute actively, but teachers/managers/leaders have a special responsibility. This page presents summaries of recent surveys on discrimination and violations at KI.

Results of KI's pilot survey on students' experiences of discrimination

In the autumn of 2022, a pilot survey was conducted with students about experiences of and risks of discrimination and harassment. A total of 645 students responded to the survey, which was sent out in a Swedish and an English version.

The results of the survey show that there are risks of discrimination linked to all forms of discrimination, grounds for discrimination and areas within the work with active measures. The risks are slightly higher in connection with VFU/VIL (on-site training).

Of the respondents, 83 students stated that they have experienced discrimination, 90 students that they have experienced harassment, and 18 students that they have experienced sexual harassment at KI in the past 12 months. Only 20% of the respondents who have experienced vulnerability have reported this. The survey also included questions about accessibility, where over 40% of respondents with disabilities experience shortcomings in the accessibility of teaching. In addition, it is common for students not to know whether it is possible to combine studies at KI with parenthood, even though 54 of the respondents consider it difficult.

Students who identify as a minority linked to ethnicity are more vulnerable

The analysis of the survey responses showed that the group that identifies as a minority linked to ethnicity (including skin color) experiences a higher degree of vulnerability in the form of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and violations compared to the group that does not identify as a minority.

The results of the survey develop KI's work on equal opportunities

As a result of the report, KI is working to clarify and disseminate support for institutions and programmes, with a particular focus on VFU/VIL and the grounds of discrimination based on ethnicity and gender. In addition, the procedures and information regarding reporting and investigations of vulnerability are improved.

Results of KI's employee survey

In 2022, an employee survey was conducted at KI, a total of 4820 people responded.

On a 6-point scale, 323 out of 4820 people state that KI is not free from discrimination or sexual harassment (grading 1–3 on the scale). These 323 people were asked a follow-up question in which they were asked to describe the grounds for discrimination that are not free from discrimination. The areas that received the most responses; Gender, Ethnicity and Age.

Men and older people experience more freedom from discrimination than others

Among the respondents, it is the group men who to a greater extent feel that the work environment is free from discrimination compared to women. The group that does not want to disclose gender thinks it is least free from discrimination. Among the age groups, the tendency is that the older groups (55-67 years) feel that it is free from discrimination, compared to younger people. The differences between the groups are small. The age group 30-40 years thinks it is at least free from discrimination.

Least free from negative conflicts

The survey also asked questions about whether the employee himself is safe and free from negative behaviors. The questions are given the highest value if it is free from threats and violence and harassment. It is least free from negative conflicts.

Seeking help and getting support in where to turn

Of those (a total of 420 people) who feel that they have been exposed to some type of negative behavior as described above, 14% have sought help and the case has been solved. 25% have sought help and they are working to get to grips with the problem. 12% answer that they have sought help but received no help, 14% have not sought any help and 8% do not know where to turn.

Further work

Each department/corresponding division analyses the results of the employee survey to promote a good work environment and equal opportunities.

Contact your immediate manager, HR or equal opportunities coordinator if you want to know more about KI's employee surveys.

Gender Programme - National Study on Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Vulnerability

In 2021, a national study was conducted to measure the prevalence, causes and consequences of sexual harassment and gender-based victimisation. KI, KTH, the University of Gothenburg and Malmö University have taken the initiative for the survey, which is part of the collaboration and research project that the universities have launched together.

In total, almost 39,000 employees, doctoral students and students responded. The responses show that young people, women, students and doctoral students are particularly vulnerable.

Unwanted sexual attention most common among young people and women

Around four per cent of employees, doctoral students and students at 38 of the country's higher education institutions state in response to a single question that they have been subjected to "undesirable sexual attention at work/place of study" in the past 12 months. However, the extent of the vulnerability differs between different categories. Among students who are women, six per cent state that they have been subjected to violence in the past twelve months, while the corresponding figure for employed men is two per cent.

In order to capture gender-based vulnerability from a situational perspective over a long period of time, eleven questions have been asked that describe different forms of undesirable sexual behaviors. Here, a total of 38 percent of the respondents state that they have experienced one of these behaviors at least once during their work/study life. With this measure, the group of doctoral students who are women report the highest proportion of victims – 53 percent.

For more details and results, see Report on Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in the Swedish Higher Education Sector 2022

Sources:

Article on KI.se Survey results develop equal opportunities work for KI students Downloaded 2024-04-05

KI – A study environment on equal terms? Analysis of a pilot survey on students' experience of discrimination and harassment, 2023. Downloaded 2024-04-05

Report on Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in the Swedish Higher Education Sector 2022 Downloaded 2024-07-11

Article on KI.se: Undesirable sexual attention most common among young people, women and students Downloaded 2024-04-05

Previously published studies on equal opportunities at KI:

What does zero tolerance mean in practice? A study on sexual harassment in academia, 2021

Final report of the Student Barometer, KI, 2017 (in Swedish)

Not the chosen one – gender, ethnicity and power in research careers, 2014

Study Environment and Gender, KI, 2004 (in Swedish)