What is Sex?
A definition of sex can be found in Wright (2025):
“Across anisogamous species, the existence of two—and only two—sexes has been a settled matter in modern biology. “Male” designates organisms whose biological function is to produce small gametes (sperm), and “female” designates organisms whose biological function is to produce large gametes (ova). This nomenclature reflects two divergent reproductive strategies that recur across a wide range of taxa.“
Sex in mammals, such as humans, is binary, to the best of our current biological knowledge. Sex plays a significant role in shaping the rights and experiences of both women and men, including in work environments. It is important that biological sex is not confused with, conflated with, or replaced by, other concepts, such as gender or gender identity.
What is sex equality and equity?
Sex equality means that, where appropriate, men and women should be treated equally under the law and in public life. Sex equity means recognising that, in some contexts, equal treatment requires attending to the real differences between male and female people, for example, in healthcare, in sport, and in the provision of single-sex spaces necessary to protect women and girls from male pattern violence.
UoA SEEN advocates for both: for the equal dignity and rights of all people regardless of sex, and for policies that recognise where sex is relevant.
Can I join anonymously?
Yes. We understand that expressing views relating to sex and gender can attract social pressure and professional risk. You may register your support with us and request anonymity. We will treat your identity in strict confidence and will not disclose it without your consent.
SEEN_UoA@auckland.ac.nz
Do you accept all staff and students?
Yes. UoA SEEN is open to all staff and students at the University of Auckland who support our mission and values. You do not need to identify with any particular label or political position. You simply need to believe that sex matters and that open discussion of sex and gender should be possible in our university.
Are you affiliated with any political party?
No. UoA SEEN is independent of all political parties. Our members hold a range of political views. What unites us is our commitment to sex-based rights and free inquiry, not any particular political affiliation.
How are you different from a feminist group?
Many of our members identify as feminists, and our concerns overlap significantly with feminist concerns about the erosion of sex-based rights. However, UoA SEEN is not a feminist organisation as such. We welcome members of all political backgrounds and philosophical perspectives who share our commitment to sex realism and open inquiry.
What is your relationship to the UK SEEN networks?
We are inspired by and modelled on the UK SEEN networks, particularly the Civil Service SEEN, which was founded in 2021. We are a fully independent and autonomous initiative. We have no formal affiliation with any UK SEEN network, but we share their goals, values, and general approach.
