More than half of women in Haarlem sometimes feel unsafe on the street, according to a survey. Reason enough for women’s organizations to take council members to risky places in the city.
The group will be ready at 5:00 PM sharp at the tunnel on the Stuyvesant Bridge in Haarlem. The group consists of a number of councilors and women from various women’s organizations. The women and two men, one of whom is a photographer, walk into the tunnel. With a spray can in one hand and a mold in the other, one of the women spray paints the stencil orange. “Stop violence against women,” it says. The statement has been made.
Survey
The idea of the cycle route arose when women’s organizations Soroptimist Haarlem-Kennemerland and Zonta Kennemerland-Zuid conducted a survey in 2019 about safety on the streets. The survey showed that of the 237 women who completed it, 54% sometimes feel unsafe on the street. A number of neighborhoods and streets were mentioned several times.
“A small investment can make someone feel safer”
Poor lighting
Representative of the women’s organization Soroptimists Marjan Adema says that the bottleneck of insecurity on bicycles mainly lies in lighting. “Poorly lit roads mainly create an unsafe feeling. This can easily be solved, but it is not happening now.” Marjan says that this outcome is a eye opener used to be. “There was indeed a lack of light in many places. Then I sometimes thought: it was terrifying, that tunnel!”
Broader purpose
The cycle route precedes the campaign Orange the World. The women’s organizations in and around Haarlem are organizing a kick-off event on November 25. “We discuss how things are going with the safety of women. This discussion is not just about cycling safely on the street, but has a much broader purpose,” says Marjan.
In addition to safety on the streets, the women’s organizations are also committed to combating sexual intimidation, whistling, groping and… femicide. “Whether it’s in the pub or on the street, about femicide or domestic violence. The fact remains that one in three women worldwide experiences violence. That is a shocking fact.”
Scary tunnel
As the group walks out of the tunnel at the Stuyvesant Bridge, Peter van Kessel, leader of the VVD in Haarlem, shouts: “There should actually be cameras here 24 hours a day.” Several attendees confirm that there must indeed be a solution for the scary tunnels. Nienke Klazinga (VVD) also does not like the tunnels. “If something happens here, no one will see you and you won’t be able to go anywhere.”
The group cycles in the direction of the station, but makes a short stop next to the Western Randweg. The main road between the ice rink and the center is barely lit and it is almost dark now. “I wanted to stop here for a moment, to show that it is not safe at all to cycle here at night. If you have to go to the sports hall, for example. There is simply no light here,” says Leida Sassen of Soroptimist.
“Whether it is about femicide or domestic violence, the fact remains that 1 in 3 women worldwide experience violence”
Visible supervision
In addition to lighting, women’s organizations see that it is also your environment that you need to inform better. That is why the action ‘I am a #supporter’ is from Orange the World called in life. “We notice that it is important that everyone should be aware of a safe environment and that we should all contribute to this,” says Marjan.
Several measures have already been taken based on the results of the survey. For example, pop venue the Patronaat now has the Ask for Angelacampaign (a code for sexually inappropriate behavior in the catering industry) has been seriously included in the policy and posters are hung everywhere in the building.
Cycling route
The group has now stopped at many places and marks unsafe places with orange hands. Marjan says that this is a symbolic action, mainly to create more awareness. “People know that you would rather not cycle along the Haarlemmerhout city forest, but those hands are a temporary emphasis on the insecurity there.”
The group ends up in the city forest. “You cannot expect the bushes to be removed, but it is about the safe feeling and good lighting,” says Marjan.
Orange the World
The kick-off is on November 25 Orange the World campaign. The campaign was started ten years ago by the United Nations to create more awareness worldwide about female violence and to combat it. That is why large buildings turn orange every year: the color that symbolizes dawn, a hopeful future without violence against women and girls.
Large buildings in Haarlem, such as the Sint Bavokerk, are also illuminated in orange. In addition to orange lighting, orange pins and hands will also appear everywhere during the campaign. These symbols are intended to show that you support the campaign.
The campaign lasts until December 10, which is Human Rights Day.
Are you a victim?
Are you dealing with (sexual) violence or abuse? There are various organizations that can help you with this.
- In case of acute danger, always contact the police 112.
- Do you want support in going through the process or do you not know where to start? Please contact it Center for Sexual Violence through 0800-0118.
- Bee Victim support you can get help with dealing with sexual violence or, for example, with going through a court case.
- Are you unsafe in your home environment or do you suspect that a loved one is affected by this? Please contact Safe at Home.