Zuid-Holland mayors call for cultural shift to tackle violence against women

Addressing violence against women and girls starts with open discussion, concluded several Zuid-Holland mayors at a meeting in The Hague’s provincial government building. The event was part of the international Orange the World campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about violence against women.

“You can install lights everywhere and trim the bushes, but that alone won’t solve the problem,” said Tjarda Struik, mayor of Leiderdorp. “What we need is a cultural shift and open conversations about how to make women feel safe.”

Political representatives from Zuid-Holland, including mayors and councilors, were invited to discuss the issue. “We must work together to raise awareness by breaking taboos,” said Harriët Westerdijk, mayor of Krimpen aan den IJssel.

She recounted that she “still avoids public transport” because of frequent harassment on the metro during her youth. “Our culture doesn’t encourage immediate confrontation, but it’s a responsibility we all share, men and women alike. Have the courage to speak up.”

Zuid-Holland deputy Frederik Zevenbergen emphasized that tackling violence against women begins with awareness. “It’s shameful that we even have to discuss this. Men, just behave decently.” He called on men to defend women facing harassment, whether on public transport or in public spaces. “Step in, show you’re present, interrupt unacceptable behavior, make some noise, take action!”

Zevenbergen, nominated to become mayor of Vlaardingen, is calling for stronger legal tools to deal with perpetrators of this kind of behavior. “I’d rather face an angry privacy protest than someone wielding 258 stab wounds, because I want people to feel safe.”

Last year, a 22-year-old woman from Zoetermeer was murdered by her jealous boyfriend in front of her two-week-old baby; she suffered 258 stab wounds. The perpetrator had been released only a month earlier after a domestic violence conviction.

Studies indicate that women frequently feel unsafe on public transport and at transit hubs, particularly at night. In response, the province of Zuid-Holland is doubling subsidies to municipalities to improve lighting at bus stops. Municipalities can receive up to 24,000 euros per stop.