Hundreds of men protest against misogyny and violence in Bern

Hundreds of men held a one-hour solidarity demonstration on Bundesplatz in Bern on Saturday, November 15, 2026, to denounce misogyny and violence against women. The rally, titled the "Men Against Violence Against Women" demonstration, sought to address systemic issues regarding male supremacy and gender-based violence in Switzerland.

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. Organizers at the event highlighted the scale of violence affecting women in the country. According to organizers, more than one in two women in Switzerland has experienced sexual harassment. Additionally, organizers stated that one in five women has been a victim of non-consensual sexual acts.

Christoph Gosteli, a 42-year-old social worker and rally co-organizer, addressed the participants during the event. Christoph Gosteli said that men are part of the problem regarding violence against women and queer people, and men must strive to be part of the solution.

Statistics on gender-based violence

The protest follows recent discussions by Swiss officials regarding the prevalence of violence committed by men. In a speech delivered on November 2, 2026, Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans provided data regarding the nature of violent crimes. Beat Jans stated that men commit four-fifths of violent crimes and are responsible for up to 99% of rape cases.

Beat Jans also participated in a conference earlier in November 2026 regarding the hazards of violent online invective against women. During his remarks, Beat Jans said that violence by men does not start with a physical blow but begins with disparaging remarks; while not all men are violent, it is almost always men.

Social trends and online influence

The demonstration occurred amid growing concerns regarding the amplification of misogyny and male supremacy online. Observers noted that these ideologies are being promoted by the "manosphere," a loose network of online forums and influencers that promotes male supremacy and hostility to feminism. This digital trend has gained attention following the 2024 presidential victory of Donald Trump.

Research suggests that these social dynamics are influencing younger generations. A June survey conducted by the University of Zurich and MenCare found that 50% of male respondents aged 18 to 24 held a restrictive and dominance-based view of masculinity. The survey also found that these same respondents felt that real men are increasingly marginalized in society.

Cédric Wermuth, the Co-President of the Swiss Socialist Party (SP Schweiz), spoke at the Bundesplatz during the proceedings.

Glossary

• Bern — Bern is a location where gambling establishments serve, consume, and sell.
• Switzerland — Switzerland is an EFTA member state that is not a member of the European Economic Area. It is linked to the EU through a series of bilateral agreements.
• manosphere — The manosphere is a loose network of online forums and influencers that promotes male supremacy and hostility to feminism.