Safe on the Streets – Standing Strong Together

Walking down the street should be a safe, carefree experience for everyone. Yet many women in the Netherlands say they often feel unsafe due to unwanted comments, catcalling, or even being followed. This is not a compliment — it’s an invasion of personal space and dignity.

Naming the Problem

• Studies show that a large number of women between the ages of 15 and 35 experience street harassment.
• It can start subtly — a “joke” or a whistle — but it creates tension, fear, and sometimes lasting anxiety.
• It changes how women dress, where they go, and what time they feel safe going out.

Why We Must Speak Up

• Silence keeps the problem invisible.
• By sharing experiences, women feel supported, and men become more aware of how their actions affect others.
• This is not about labelling all men as bad — it’s about setting a cultural standard for respect and equality.

What We Can Do Together

1. Listen and believe – Take women’s experiences seriously.
2. Empowerment – Learn how to stand up for yourself, alone or with friends.
3. Allies – Men who speak out against harassment show it’s not acceptable.
4. Community – Find support in groups where safety and respect are priorities.
5. Education – Teach in schools and at home what respectful behaviour means.

A Message of Hope

At The Church of the Blessed Mother, we believe every woman has the right to safety, dignity, and freedom. Together, we can build a culture where respect is the norm — on the streets, at home, and everywhere in between.