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Women in Switzerland Protest for Gender Equality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Women across Switzerland marched through the streets on Sunday, rallying for change and addressing issues such as the gender pay gap, street harassment, and violence against women. The protests, organized in part by the Swiss Trade Union Federation, drew attention to the country's poor record on gender equality. Switzerland ranks second in the United Nations' gender equality index, but women's rights activists argue that systemic discrimination persists in the professional world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women in Switzerland earn on average 11.5% less than men in full-time employment, according to Swiss government statistics.
  • A 2019 survey commissioned by Amnesty International revealed that one in five women reported being subjected to sexual violence.
  • The Swiss Trade Union Federation reported that the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the lack of progress in improving equality, working conditions, and recognition of unpaid domestic work.
  • Sunday's protests marked one year since the unions organized a women's strike, workshops, demonstrations, and flash mobs to highlight the country's poor record on gender equality.
  • The 1991 demonstrations led to the passing of the Gender Equality Act in 1995, which banned discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
  • Roxanne Errico, a 19-year-old protester, spoke out about personal experience of losing her mother to abuse and emphasized the importance of speaking out for others.

Statistics:

  • 11.5%: average pay gap between women and men in full-time employment in Switzerland, according to government statistics.
  • 1 in 5: women surveyed by Amnesty International reported experiencing sexual violence.
  • 500,000: number of women who demonstrated against inequality in 1991.
  • 1995: year the Gender Equality Act was passed, banning discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Sources:

  • The Swiss Trade Union Federation (as quoted on its website)
  • Reuters (as told by Roxanne Errico in an interview)
  • Amnesty International (2019 survey)
  • Swiss government statistics (pay gap data)

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