Why do we have an official anti-harassment policy for Women Techmakers powered by GDG Montreal and GDG Cloud Sherbrooke events?
It sets expectations for behavior at the event. Simply having an anti-harassment policy can prevent harassment. It encourages people to attend who have had bad experiences at other events. It gives event staff/volunteers instructions on how to handle harassment quickly, with the minimum amount of disruption for the event. Women Techmakers is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of:
gender
sexual orientation
disability
gender identity
age
race
religion
nationality
The above is not an exhaustive list — we do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks. Event participants violating these rules may be expelled from the event, and even banned from future events at the discretion of the event organizers/management. Harassment includes (but is not limited to):
offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, religion the use or display of sexual images in public spaces
deliberate intimidation
stalking
harassing photography or recording
sustained disruption of talks or other events
inappropriate physical contact
unwelcome sexual attentionParticipants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Exhibiting partners and guest speakers are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors and speakers should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material, or otherwise create a sexualized environment in their slide decks, exhibit materials, exhibit staffing, promotional items or demo materials. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer or event volunteer immediately. Organizers will investigate the issue and take appropriate action.
Though we hope that we never have to invoke this policy, we believe that having this document helps everyone think a little more about how their actions and words affect the whole community, as well as individuals in the community.
License and attribution
This policy is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license. This policy is based on several other policies, including the Ohio LinuxFest anti-harassment policy, written by Esther Filderman and Beth Lynn Eicher, and the Con Anti-Harassment Project. Mary Gardiner, Valerie Aurora, Sarah Smith, and Donna Benjamin generalized the policies and added supporting material. Many members of LinuxChix, Geek Feminism, and other groups contributed to this work.
