Holding Neoliberal Institutions Accountable—Nationally and Internationally

Words by Thursdays In Black VUW (Sophie Clark; she/her), (Charlotte Forsyth; she/her)

CW: sexual violence, sexual harassment

Although Covid-19 has compounded the occurrence and subsequent effects of sexual violence, it would be remiss to say that what we have been seeing in the news this year is a novel issue. Those of us working in the sexual violence prevention space know the opposite to be true. Two damning articles about the University of Auckland’s response to instances of sexual violence have highlighted that sexual violence is not only a prevalent issue within such institutions, but also that universities are ill-equipped and uninterested in doing anything about it.

As we have typically seen, when—and only when—a case goes to the media, the relevant university will issue a response expressing remorse and perhaps offering vague steps on how they will do better. However this is a very reactionary and reputation-centric approach, and their subsequent actions do not match up. For example, in a Te Herenga Waka context, the university stated they consulted with students on their recent Sexual Harassment Response Policy, yet Thursdays In Black VUW did not hear from them once. Although the implementation of such a policy is a welcome step, there are still significant shortcomings, and it is disingenuous of them to say there was proper consultation.

Internationally, neoliberal institutions continue to be guided by principles that are out of touch with the realities of sexual harm and bodily autonomy. On 2 May 2022, a draft majority opinion from the United States Supreme Court was leaked, suggesting that Roe v Wade, a landmark case protecting the liberty to choose to have an abortion, was to be overturned. If the draft opinion is confirmed as law, states can make it illegal to perform, recieve or help someone get an abortion. Already, Louisiana is debating House Bill 813, which considers life to begin at ‘fertilisation,’ with no exceptions made for instances of sexual violence. The sad truth is that abortion (including Plan B) is often required for survivors of sexual violence. Taking away this right under the guise of leaving it for democratic institutions, which are significantly influenced by financially-armed lobbies, is wrong. The ramifications for sexual harm compound as only eleven states require students learn about consent. While the United States is not Aotearoa, it has only been since early 2020 that Aotearoa’s abortion law was modernised. We have similar rates of sexual violence. Our neoliberal institutional framework is all too similar. It emphasises liberty and equality, yet refuses to review the structural inequities that reinforce the positions of those who hold power, and entrench existing inequalities.

Neoliberal institutions continue to see sexual violence as outside of their influence, despiteoften being the very places where the culture is reinforced. Sexual violence continues to be pushed under the rug, and it is only through continual and ever-increasing public accountability that real change will happen.