Swiss Men Unite in Bern to Combat Misogyny and Violence Against Women

Hundreds of men gathered on Bundesplatz in Bern, Switzerland, for a solidarity rally organized by "Men Against Violence Against Women" to denounce misogyny and violence against women. Participants emphasized that men must play a more active role in eradicating these issues.

The demonstration, held outside parliament on Saturday, was prompted by growing concerns regarding the prevalence of misogyny among teenage boys and young men online. Organizers aim to build a stronger counter-narrative against the "manosphere"—a network of online forums and influencers promoting male supremacy and hostility toward feminism. The article notes that such influencers were emboldened following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election in 202, using it to amplify misogynistic threats and derision.

"We men are part of the problem – the problem being violence against women and queer people," stated Christoph Gosteli, a 42-year-old social worker and co-organizer of the rally with the group maenner. "That is why it is important for us to take a stand and say, 'We no longer want to be part of the problem; we want to be part of the solution.'"

A June survey by the University of Zurich and MenCare, an umbrella group of Swiss men's and fathers' organizations, revealed that half of male respondents aged 18 to 24 hold a "restrictive and dominance-based view of masculinity." The study urged for a society-wide debate on masculinity ideals that promote violence, starting in schools.

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans, who recently attended a conference on the dangers of violent online abuse of women, highlighted the severity of the issue. In a speech on November 2, Jans noted that men commit four-fifths of violent crimes and that in rape cases, the share is as high as 99 percent. "It is not all men. But we must also admit: It is almost always men," Jans stated, adding that violence begins with disparaging remarks and that all men have a duty to act.