Women’s safety in the city: the Policy Lab for Belgium
Research has shown that in Belgium, 91% of women aged 15-24 have experienced sexual harassment in public space, compared to 24% of young men. This systemic behaviour against women infringes on their right to the city and limits their ability to navigate public space freely, safely and comfortably.
The upcoming Policy Lab aims to respond to these widespread patterns by shedding light on the importance of behaviour change to eradicate gender-based harassment.
While gender equality and justice have gained recognition in supranational frameworks, municipal authorities, civil society organizations, academics and the private sector also have a key role to play in organising and disseminating effective public campaigns against harassment. A transformation of social behaviours and attitudes is needed to make the public domain safer. Social norms that have developed over long periods of time must be actively deconstructed as they force women to adopt coping mechanisms when navigating the city.
Belgium has been a frontrunner in taking action to tackle these issues with the National Action Plan against Gender Violence (2021-2025) and new resolutions at the urban level to eradicate street harassment and ensure gender equality in public spaces. In a number of Belgian cities, concrete programmes have been initiated through the Plan International Belgium Safer Cities Programme. These programs as well as other approaches will be discussed by experts from various cities and organisations defending women’s rights and safety.
The Policy Lab will take place on 19 December 2022 in Brussels and will address three concrete objectives:
- Developing a common understanding and awareness of what is perceived as safe in public spaces
- Sharing best practices on innovative measures that can make cities safer
- Discussing the importance of behaviour change in eradicating gender-based harassment
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