Fighting sexual harassment: how to foster accessible and safe public spaces

Organised with the PPS Social Integration, Combat against Poverty, Social Economy and Urban Policies

Research has shown that in Belgium, 91% of women aged 15-24 have experienced sexual harassment in public space, compared to 28% 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 Policy Lab brought together practitioners and experts with experience implementing measures to tackle this issue. Interventions discussed included gender-sensitive education and sensitising programs as well as measures to develop physical infrastructure. The Policy Lab was structured to promote participation, exchange and learning between practitioners from different contexts; including through the use of ‘speed meetings’ where attendees could choose to engage with different stations where experts presented their on-the-ground experiences.

A political roundtable featuring representatives of Belgian federal and regional levels closed the event, thereby increasing the scope and strategic value of the discussion.