Hundreds of men march in Switzerland to protest violence against women | Women’s Rights News
Hundreds Rally in Bern to Address Misogyny and Violence Against Women
Published Nov. 15, 2026
Bern, Switzerland – Hundreds of men demonstrated in the Swiss capital on Saturday to denounce misogyny and violence against women. Organizers emphasized the necessity for men to take active roles in combating these issues.
The rally, titled “Men Against Violence Against Women,” took place outside the Swiss Parliament. Participants voiced their concerns regarding the prevalence of misogyny online, particularly among young men and teenage boys. They called for fellow men to reject harmful ideologies and to promote a positive counter-narrative.
The rise of misogynistic views has been attributed to the so-called “manosphere,” a network of online forums and influencers that advocate for male supremacy and often display hostility towards feminism. Some analysts argue that the election of former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016 has contributed to the amplification of these troubling sentiments.
“We men are part of the problem—specifically, the problem of violence against women and queer individuals,” said Christoph Gosteli, a co-organizer of the rally and a social worker. “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.’”
A survey conducted in June by the University of Zurich and MenCare, an organization representing Swiss men’s and fathers’ interests, revealed that half of male respondents aged 18 to 24 hold restrictive views of masculinity. These viewpoints include concerns that “real men are increasingly marginalised in society.” The study advocates for a comprehensive societal dialogue about harmful ideals of masculinity, suggesting that such discussions should begin in schools.
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans highlighted the urgent need to address violence against women in a conference earlier this month. He noted that men are responsible for over 80 percent of violent crimes, with this figure rising to 99 percent in sexual assault cases.
“It is not all men. But we must also admit: It is almost always men,” Jans stated in a speech on November 2. “Violence by men does not begin with the first blow; it begins with a disparaging remark. We men all have a duty.”
The rally served as a platform for discussions about the role of men in addressing systemic violence and promoting healthier ideals of masculinity.
