Our Code of Conduct

AWIS is comprised of members from diverse backgrounds, organisations, and lived experiences. At our events, we are committed to the open exchange of ideas, freedom of thought and expression, and respectful debate. These require a community and an environment that recognises the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters inclusion, dignity, understanding and mutual respect, and embraces diversity.

AWIS wishes to provide a harassment-free experience for everyone engaging with the Association at events or otherwise, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, nationality, language, or religion – and not limited to these aspects.

Harassment and hostile behaviour are not welcome at AWIS. This includes speech or behaviour (including in public presentations and on-line discourse) that intimidates, creates discomfort, or interferes with a person’s participation or opportunity for participation in the community or event.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination (related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, etc); sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; and advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour.

Participants or members asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

It is the responsibility of the AWIS community as a whole to promote an inclusive and positive environment for our activities. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the AWIS Executive Committee or our local representative.

Protocol for conflict resolution

Report

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns while attending any AWIS event, please immediately contact a local event organiser or an AWIS Executive Committee member.

Escalate

If you are at an AWIS meeting or other event, find an event organiser or a member of the AWIS Executive Committee. They will assist you. These parties will help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment and will help them to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Resolve

The AWIS Executive Committee will require anyone engaging in harassing behaviour to cease immediately or face expulsion or other sanctions. Those sanctions can include reporting to the individual’s organisation, and supporting the victim in making informal or formal complaints via that organisation’s processes.

If an incident results in corrective action, then AWIS will do its best to support those harmed by the incident, both publicly (where appropriate) and privately.

If any individual encounters problems or issues attempting to help a victim of harassment while following our anti-harassment policy and protocol, they are encouraged to engage with the AWIS Executive Committee for clarifications and/or to seek revisions.

We are very open to revising any part of our policy or protocol if needed to ensure a safe and welcoming community in which harassment is not tolerated.