Hundreds of Men March in Switzerland Against Violence

In the Swiss capital of Bern, hundreds of individuals gathered recently to take part in a public demonstration. Organised to challenge misogyny and address the rising problem of violence against women, the participants stressed that men need to assume a more active role in finding solutions. The gathering outside the national parliament followed growing concerns regarding the spread of online hostility and anti-feminist sentiment among younger demographics.

Organisers pointed out that right-wing online networks, often referred to as the manosphere, have amplified hostility toward feminism. These digital forums gained further momentum following the recent United States presidential election. Christoph Gosteli, a social worker and co-organiser of the rally with the group maenner, acknowledged that men share responsibility for the climate of violence affecting women and queer individuals, emphasizing the necessity of standing against it.

Men must step up and acknowledge their role in stopping gender-based violence.

Understanding the Rise of Restrictive Masculinity

Recent academic findings underscore the scope of the challenge. A survey conducted by the University of Zurich alongside MenCare revealed that half of young male respondents aged 18 to 24 maintained a restrictive and dominance-focused perspective on masculinity. The study advocates for a broad societal conversation regarding prevailing ideals of masculinity, suggesting educational interventions beginning in schools.

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans addressed the issue during a recent conference focusing on online abuse directed at women. Highlighting government statistics, Jans noted that men are responsible for the vast majority of violent crimes, including an overwhelming share of sexual offences. He emphasized that abusive behavior often begins with minor disparaging remarks, meaning every individual has a responsibility to intervene.

Why it matters

This movement highlights the growing recognition that combating gender-based violence requires cultural introspection among men rather than just institutional intervention. By addressing online radicalization and shifting youth perspectives on masculinity, the demonstration signals a push toward broader preventative measures starting in educational spaces.