“Zero sexism in my city”: focus on the role of witnesses

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Since 2019, the Agenda 21 – Sustainable City Service of the Department of Finance, Housing and the Environment (DFEL) has coordinated the implementation of the “Zero sexism in my city” action plan.

Adopted by the Municipal Council in 2019, it aims to prevent sexism and sexual harassment in public areas. The projects developed focus on increased awareness among the general public, training for professionals, the planning and management of public areas and data collection. They call on numerous partners, including the associative and institutional network active in the field of promoting equality and preventing gender-related violence.

A poster campaign and a focus on witnesses  

The campaign visuals, which will be displayed in the streets from 7 November, depict daily situations such as getting around, doing sport, enjoying an evening out or going home at night. “They are designed to remind people that access to public areas is a right and that in 2022, all women – regardless of their age, appearance, origin, sexual and emotional orientation, identity or gender expression, clothing or faith – must be able to make free use of public areas in total peace of mind,” explains Alfonso Gomez, Executive Councillor responsible for sustainable development.

At the same time, the 2022 edition of the campaign includes a section devoted specifically to witnesses, encouraging them to contribute to creating a caring urban environment. While taking action when confronted by sexual harassment in public areas is not always easy, certain avenues exist which do not mean putting yourself in danger. 

To foster this shared responsibility, the City – with the collaboration of the institute Le deuxième Observatoire, Amnesty International, MILLE SEPT SANS and We Can Dance iT – has collected these recommendations in a single leaflet entitled “Témoin de harcèlement sexuel dans l’espace public: je peux agir!” (witnessing sexual harassment in public areas: I can take action!), available online and in printed format.

An events programme throughout November

A programme consisting of debates, film screenings, workshops for a range of participants and events in public areas is also organised with the associative and institutional partners of the campaign. To explore the notions contained in the leaflet and intended for witnesses in greater depth and to learn how to take action, civic courage workshops entitled “Don’t look away” run by Amnesty International will be organised as part of the campaign.

More information at www.geneve.ch/zero-sexisme