The keyword: “Balance your bar” mobilizes Belgium against violence against women
Feminist movements, musicians and even opponents of capitalism, all gathered on Sunday in the streets of Brussels to denounce violence against women. The key word “balance your bar “is one of the latest initiatives launched in Belgium to demand an end to assault and harassment.
The participants wish to alert men to the extent of this phenomenon. “We expect men to be our allies, to be proactive in this fight“, insists Maïté Meeus, at the origin of the initiative. Like Me too, a few weeks ago she launched the Balance ton bar movement to help women victims of assault in order to give them the opportunity to express yourself anonymously.
Women’s rights organizations believe that the authorities must also do more to help victims and must first listen to them. The Self-managed Inclusive Feminist Union (UFIA) calls for training for the police in order to provide a decent reception to the victims. Laura from UFIA is surprised that the “survivors use activists’ Instagram accounts to speak out rather than actually trying to claim justice“. Women are not alone in this fight for their rights. Men were also numerous in the streets of Brussels.
These changes must involve the authorities and civil society, an effort that the Belgian political world is calling for. “70% of complaints are closed, which means that the woman remains unanswered with a great feeling of injustice“, explains Belgian MP Laurence Zanchetta (PS). The next step for politicians but also for society as a whole is to turn these words into action.