Groningen
On Tuesday the 7th of March, there will be a College Tour with Rebecca Gomperts, an abortion rights activist and recipient of 2022’s Aletta Jacobs prize (which is awarded every two years to women who have distinguished themselves in the field of emancipation). The event will be held in the Aula of the Academy building of the RUG, at 20.00. The activist will be interviewed live by Angela Maas, with some time for questions from the audience.
Due to the sexual harassment cases at the University of Groningen, Women’s Day this year in the city will be marked with manifestations. On Wednesday 8 March at noon, students call for a strike and a gathering in front of the Academy building (Broerstraat 5).
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The organisers are calling out the university’s response to complaints of sexual harassment, including the lack of support provided to a a PhD candidate who alleged she was raped by a visiting scholar. Another motivation for the protest is the RUG’s response to a professor who reported being discriminated against.
The demands brought forwards by the organisers include establishing clear protocols on sexual harassment, broader training on the topic and providing more professional help for people subjected to sexual harassment at the institution.
The Groningen Feminist Network is also organising a manifestation – on Saturday the 11th at 11:00 at the Grote Markt. Sexual harassment at the university will be one of the most prominent topics as well, plus other themes such as sex education and sexual violence in the city, especially around the nightlife hubs.
Friesland
Wednesday afternoon in Leeuwarden will see two events: a march at 16:30, starting in front of the Oldehove and the Neushoorn will host a show by Funda Müjde: an actress, cabaret performer and columnist on women’s power. The protest, organised by students from Campus Fryslân collaborating with local Amnesty International branch, focuses on FLINTA rights (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, transgender, agender) and issues they face today, also in Friesland.
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Problems such as the gender pay gap, catcalling, discrimination, sexual harassment – including cases happening at the RUG – are still present today. This Wednesday, there will be a march through the city centre as well as chalking on the streets. “Chalking is a practice that includes the community more, it can be a way to attract attention also from people who did not attend the protest”, says Julia Struzik, one of the organisers.
Drenthe
On Wednesday evening, the 43rd Lies Van Urk prize will be awarded in Emmen, in recognition of special initiatives for emancipation and inclusion in the municipality. Lies Van Urk was the first woman to hold a seat in the municipal council, and she used her position and personal charisma to work toward greater emancipation in the local community. This year, the prize that bears her name will be awarded at 19:00 in Ten Cate restaurant and hotel, where there will also be workshops and music.
Photo source: Groningen Feminist Network
