Amsterdam Mayor: ‘War against women’ is ongoing despite some progress

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema called for greater empowerment of women in a speech at the Women Unite! conference marking International Women’s Day, warning that a global “war against women” is ongoing despite some progress.

Halsema said the threat manifests at home, at work, and across society. “One in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. Every day, an average of 137 women are killed by a family member, partner, or ex-partner. That is almost one woman every 10 minutes,” she said. “And these are not numbers, these are mothers, daughters, sisters.”

She also highlighted economic inequality, noting that women earn less than men and have less influence in business and household decision-making. “Poverty in the Netherlands too often has the face of a woman,” Halsema said.

The mayor pointed to a rising trend of normalized harassment and politicization of women’s bodies, even in free Western societies. “We see daily how hatred against women spreads and is fueled. Women’s hate seems to become a political and economic business model,” she said. Halsema added that she has personally experienced such attacks: “How often have I been told not to ‘react sensitively’ when I am called a whore, referred to the stake as a witch, or threatened with rape — that it supposedly comes with my position.”

Halsema urged women to unite rather than be divided: “We must unite, seek each other out, and strengthen each other. The position of women is not only a concern for women, but for everyone who values a free and open society.”

Education, Culture, and Science Minister Rianne Letschert also addressed the conference at Carré theater, stressing collective responsibility. “A culture of equality for everyone can only be achieved if everyone takes responsibility — women and men alike,” Letschert said. “For inspiration, we do not need to look far. We can learn from the stories of the strong women on stage today. Following their example, the march will not stop, and we will keep making progress.”