The new year begins with mixed emotions for Fairspace. We feel hope, because more people than ever are speaking out for safe public spaces. At the same time, we feel sadness and anger. Violence against girls and women remains a daily reality.
The murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude last summer deeply affected the Netherlands. RTL News reported that members of their news panel most frequently named this event as the most important news story of 2025. The action “We Claim the Night” that followed showed the scale of the collective outrage, and the strong desire for change.
At Fairspace, we refuse to let Lisa’s murder end in helplessness. But we also refuse to place the responsibility for prevention on girls and women themselves.
Why “protect yourself” is not the solution
After every shocking act of violence, the same advice appears: walk home together, send a message when you get home, take self-defense classes. The City of Amsterdam has even announced funding for boxing lessons. While these measures may be well intentioned, they dangerously shift responsibility onto women and girls.
The underlying message is clear: women must adapt. They must be stronger, smarter, and more alert to avoid violence. But getting home safely should not be a personal achievement. For this reason, Fairspace deliberately does not offer advice on self-defense, combat sports, or “smarter behavior.” Such advice distracts from the real problem rather than addressing it.
Place responsibility where it belongs
If we truly want to prevent violence against women, we must move from individual responsibility to shared responsibility. Men and boys play a crucial role in this shift. Violence against women is not “nature”; it is learned behavior. It persists in a society where sexual harassment is too often minimised, excused, or laughed away.
Meaningful change begins with education, at school and in the home. Talk to young people about consent, emotions, and rejection. Challenge sexist “jokes” and normalise calling out harmful behavior. Not only after harm has occurred, but long before. By addressing misogynistic behavior early, we can prevent boundaries from being pushed further and further.
Make public spaces truly safe
Public spaces must also be designed with safety as a priority. Proper street lighting, clear and open environments, reliable night-time public transport, and visible emergency services make a significant difference. Safety should not end after dark.
Digital reporting systems, swift responses to reports of harassment, and taking early warning signs seriously can save lives. Too often, concerns are dismissed as “just a feeling” rather than recognised as a warning. Fear should be taken seriously before it becomes reality.
Claim safety together
The action “We Claim the Night” showed the power of collective action: people coming together to say that violence against women is no longer acceptable. This collective voice is essential. Change does not come from silent adaptation, but from visible solidarity.
In 2026, Fairspace calls on everyone to maintain that solidarity. Speak up. Vote. Organise. Demand policies that protect rather than deflect responsibility.
2026 begins with a choice. Do we continue telling women how to survive? Or do we work together to ensure that survival is no longer necessary? At Fairspace, we are clear about where we stand.
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