Utrecht politicians call for greater focus on women’s safety in infrastructure projects

All parties in the Utrecht Provincial Council have called on the province to prioritize women’s safety in future infrastructure projects. Measures such as proper lighting and streets without dark or poorly visible corners can contribute to this, they said in a message to the provincial executive on Wednesday.

The Provincial Council is calling for greater focus on women’s safety. “The province must be free and safe for everyone,” they said. “It is intolerable that, in 2025, this continues to affect people so profoundly.” The initiative "We Claim the Night" drew attention to the issue this summer, following the murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude.

According to the parties, the province, as a road authority, landowner, and grant provider, can implement measures that enhance women’s safety in public transport and public spaces.

Studies indicate that more than 65 percent of women feel unsafe on the streets at night, and nearly half frequently take detours to avoid potentially dangerous situations. “This is not merely about statistics, but about a broad sense of insecurity that directly limits the freedom of women and girls to move safely in public spaces,” the parties stated.

Politicians in other provinces have also previously voiced their opposition to violence against women. In Noord-Holland, Overijssel, and Friesland, initiatives have been launched to identify areas where women feel unsafe and to make improvements wherever possible.