ROTTERDAM, 12 May 2025 – A new edition of Rotterdam’s week against sexual street harassment has begun, with a renewed focus on awareness, discussion and empowerment. Highlights include a theatre installation at Schouwburgplein and a nighttime protest walk.
Rotterdam launches third week against street harassment
The third edition of the Rotterdam Week against Sexual Street Harassment (Week tegen Seksuele Straatintimidatie) is taking place from 12 to 18 May 2025. The city is once again turning attention to a persistent issue that disproportionately affects women, girls and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Despite ongoing efforts, sexual street harassment remains a common experience in Rotterdam. In 2024, reports submitted through the StopApp increased by 300%, a trend the municipality sees as both concerning and reflective of growing awareness. Research conducted by Erasmus University found that 84% of women in Rotterdam have encountered some form of harassment in public spaces.
The municipality, together with a range of partner organisations, is using this theme week to further raise awareness, encourage conversation and provide practical tools for action. This year’s approach is said to involve more initiatives and partners than previous editions.
Stronger demand for education and awareness
The growing number of reports is not seen in isolation. The city notes a rising demand for educational tools such as guest lectures and workshops in schools and community centres. For years, Rotterdam has pursued a structural approach to tackling street harassment.
Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer commented: “We see that the number of reports continues to grow. That unfortunately means too many Rotterdammers are still affected. I hope this week will reach a large audience and increase both awareness and the willingness to take action.”
Theatre installation invites personal experience
A central event this week is the immersive theatre installation Psst.. Hé Schatje! at Schouwburgplein. Visitors are guided individually through a series of rooms where they encounter performances, audio, and information designed to simulate experiences of street harassment. Experts will be present to engage in conversation with attendees after the walkthrough.
The installation is open to the public from 12 to 15 May, daily from 18:00 to 20:00. For the first time, the experience will also be available in English.
Night walk signals resistance to sexual violence
The campaign week concludes with the Nacht Tegen Seksueel Geweld (Night Against Sexual Violence), an overnight walk through the city. More than 800 participants are expected to walk 20 kilometres across Rotterdam from Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 May. The event aims to serve as a visible statement against sexual intimidation and violence.
Mayor Schouten will join the route in support of the cause. Proceeds from the event will support Plan International projects that address gender-based violence globally, through safer urban spaces, education on girls’ rights, and youth empowerment.
Directions to Schouwburgplein
Schouwburgplein is a large open square located in Rotterdam’s city centre, near the Doelen concert hall and the Rotterdamse Schouwburg theatre. The area is accessible by tram, metro (Stadhuis and Rotterdam Centraal stations), and is a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station.
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