In the coming weeks, the national campaign “Man, say something!” will also be displayed in various bars and restaurants in The Hague, featuring posters and beer mats. With this campaign, the national government aims to encourage men in this municipality to address other men in their social circle about sexually inappropriate remarks, “jokes,” or gestures directed at women.
Sexually transgressive behavior occurs everywhere. On the street, at work, in sports, social clubs, and in the hospitality industry. Comments like “that barmaid can come home with me,” “I’m willing to pay her in kind,” or “with that skirt, she’s asking for it” are familiar to many female hospitality workers. These comments make them feel uncomfortable and unsafe at work.
Sexist remarks and “jokes” about women have become part of the dynamic in many friendship groups. These ingrained patterns contribute to a culture in which women are seen as inferior. Men can play a significant role in reducing sexually inappropriate behavior by addressing each other about inappropriate remarks, “jokes,” and gestures.
Recent research by Ipsos I&O shows that willingness exists: 70 percent of men believe men should address each other more often about sexually inappropriate behavior toward women. Most men (72 to 78 percent) also indicate they wouldn’t mind if friends or colleagues confronted them about their behavior. Using posters and beer mats with “Man, speak up!”, the Dutch government wants to encourage men in The Hague to do just that during their night out or the upcoming Christmas drinks.
Government Commissioner for Sexually Transgressive Behavior and Sexual Violence Mariëtte Hamer: “Research conducted by EenVandaag earlier this year among young people showed that 72% of female hospitality workers have experienced transgressive behavior. For these girls, it’s often their first part-time job. That has a significant impact. I also speak to many young girls in schools and vocational colleges who feel very unsafe or uncomfortable when going out, both in bars and on the street. It’s therefore incredibly important that boys and men address each other’s behavior, and that the hospitality industry embraces our campaign.”
How do you say something about it?
Many men struggle to find the right words to address sexually inappropriate remarks or behavior, or are afraid of ruining the atmosphere. Javier Koole, from the Rutgers Center of Expertise for Sexuality, explains: ” It starts very simply: ask a question if someone says something offensive—lightheartedly and invitingly. For example: ‘Hey man, what do you mean by that?’ Or: ‘Oh, I see it differently.’ Or: ‘What if they said that about your mother or sister?’ This way, you keep things low-key and lighthearted, and you ensure that respect remains the norm within the group.”
About the campaign
The “Man, say something!” campaign has previously aired on television and in cinemas. It will continue to be shown in the coming weeks in various hospitality venues throughout the Netherlands, at sports clubs, and online. It is the third publicity campaign from the National Action Program to Combat Sexually Transgressive Behavior and Sexual Violence, in collaboration with Mariëtte Hamer, the independent Government Commissioner for Sexually Transgressive Behavior and Sexual Violence. The action program launched in January 2023 and is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and the Ministry of Justice and Security (J&V). The goal of the action program is to combat and prevent sexually transgressive behavior and sexual violence. More information and previous campaigns can be found (in Dutch) at: metelkaartrekkenwedegrens.nl
