Hundreds of men demonstrate in Bern against misogyny and violence against women

Hundreds of men gathered at the Bundesplatz in Bern on Saturday, November 14, 2026, to protest misogyny and violence against women. The one-hour solidarity demonstration, titled "Men Against Violence Against Women," sought to encourage men to take an active role in opposing misogyny and to speak out more openly against such behavior.

Organizers and protest goals

The demonstration was organized by a broad coalition that included the Swiss Socialist Party (SP Schweiz) and the "Men Against Violence Against Women" committee. Protesters focused on the necessity for men to actively oppose misogyny in various social spheres. A primary concern addressed during the event was the spread of misogynistic behavior online, particularly among teenagers and young men.

According to organizers, the scale of gender-based violence and harassment in Switzerland remains significant. Organizers stated that more than one in two women in Switzerland has experienced sexual harassment. Furthermore, organizers reported that one in five women has been a victim of non-consensual sexual acts.

Crime statistics and official statements

The protest follows recent discussions regarding the dangers of online misogynistic insults. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans attended a conference in early November 2026 to address these specific digital threats. During a speech delivered on November 2, 2026, Beat Jans provided statistics regarding the gendered nature of violent crime.

Beat Jans stated that men commit 4/5 of violent crimes and 99% of rapes. The Justice Minister emphasized the connection between verbal abuse and physical violence. "Violence committed by men does not start with the first blow, but with a derogatory remark; men have a duty to prevent it," Beat Jans said.

Social trends and demographic studies

The rise of online misogyny has been linked by some reports to influencers in the "manosphere" following the 2024 election victory of US President Donald Trump. This digital environment has contributed to shifting social perceptions among younger demographics.

A June 2026 study conducted by the University of Zurich and Mencare highlighted growing social tensions among young males. The study found that 50% of men aged 18 to 24 feel that "real men are increasingly marginalized in society." This sense of marginalization is part of the broader social context surrounding the current demonstrations in Bern.

Glossary

• Bern — Bern is a location where gambling establishments serve, consume, and sell.
• manosphere — The manosphere is an online community that includes the "alpha male" community. It is a digital environment where influencers spread their ideas to a broader audience.
• University of Zurich — The University of Zurich (UZH) is a public research university located in Zurich, Switzerland. It is the largest university in Switzerland.