Men Gather in Bern to Protest Violence Against Women

Several hundred men gathered on the Bundesplatz in Bern for a one-hour solidarity demonstration against violence against women. The rally brought together participants in front of the Swiss parliament building to demand greater male accountability in addressing gender-based abuse. The event was organized by a broad coalition of political and social groups aiming to raise public awareness around the issue.

The organizing alliance included the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland alongside the Committee Men Against Violence Against Women. In an official appeal issued during the event, organizers stated that because violence against women is predominantly perpetrated by men, men bear a specific responsibility not to look away. The coalition called on participants to adopt a clear public stance against abusive behaviour in everyday life.

The demonstration focused on shifting the burden of addressing violence from victims to perpetrators and potential bystanders. Organizers urged men to demonstrate active empathy toward those affected and to challenge harmful conduct within their own social circles. The call to action highlighted the need for individuals to reflect on their own actions as well as address the conduct of perpetrators in their immediate surroundings.

The alliance presented figures regarding the prevalence of gender-based violence within Switzerland to underline the urgency of their message. According to data cited by the organizers, more than one in two women in Switzerland has experienced sexual harassment. The statistics also indicate that one in five women in the country has been targeted by non-consensual sexual acts.

Written by Christiane Hofreiter christiane.hofreiter@alpineweekly.com