Hundreds of men gathered in the Swiss capital on Saturday for a demonstration aimed at denouncing misogyny and the ongoing issue of violence against women. The event, titled “Men against Violence against Women,” took place outside the parliament building and emphasized the necessity for men to assume a more vocal and active role in combating both the cultural and physical manifestations of gender-based violence.
The rally follows growing concerns regarding the prevalence of online misogyny among young men and teenage boys. Organizers hope to establish a stronger counter-narrative to these trends, which have seen a rise in visibility. Observers noted that certain influencers operating on the fringes of the right-wing “manosphere” have felt emboldened to amplify threats and derogatory content against women following the 2024 presidential victory of Donald Trump.
For the first time, advocacy groups and academics have attempted to quantify the scope of this phenomenon in Switzerland. A study released in June by the University of Zurich and the umbrella organization mencare surveyed male respondents between the ages of 18 and 24. The findings indicated that half of those surveyed believed “real men are increasingly marginalized in society” and held a “restrictive and dominance-based view of masculinity.” The researchers concluded that a systematic, society-wide debate regarding ideals of masculinity that foster violence is necessary, suggesting that such discussions should begin within schools.
Government officials have also begun to address these concerns. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Beat Jans participated in a conference focused on the dangers of violent online rhetoric directed at women. During a speech delivered on Nov. 2, Jans highlighted that men commit four-fifths of all violent crimes, a figure that rises to 99% in rape cases. “It is not all men. But we must also admit: It is almost always men,” Jans stated. “Violence by men does not begin with the first blow; it begins with a disparaging remark. We men all have a duty.”
Christoph Gosteli, a 42-year-old social worker and co-organizer of the demonstration with the group Maenner, underscored the importance of the movement. He noted that the goal is to reach young men influenced by the “manosphere” and broader patriarchal structures. “We men are part of the problem — the problem being violence against women and queer people,” Gosteli said. “That is why it is important for us to take a stand and say: We no longer want to be part of the problem; we want to be part of the solution.”
