On Thursday morning, 44 red women’s shoes were place at Jean Reyplein in Brussels in a symbolic act to urge the European Parliament to address femicide. The initiative was organised by Dutch columnist and radio presenter Yesim Candan.
Candan has been campaigning against femicide in the Netherlands for years. "What began five years ago as a powerful statement against femicide in Amsterdam is now evolving into a message that transcends borders. Femicide is a global issue that deserves attention everywhere," explained Candan.
Globally, a woman is killed by a man every ten minutes. In Europe, there are approximately 3,500 femicides per year. In Belgium, 22 women were murdered in 2023. In France, the Netherlands, and Italy, femicides occur every three, eight, and four days, respectively.
A visual protest action against femicide on the Jean Rey square in Brussels, Thursday 06 March 2025. Credit: Belga
Violinist Çisem Özkurt and Barbara Godwaldt also participated in the action. Godwaldt’s sister was a victim of femicide, which prompted her to formulate a plan to combat the issue. The plan has since reached the Dutch House of Representatives, where politicians from various parties have voiced their support.
The shoes on the square were donated by various well-known Dutch figures, including Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, and several political personalities.
Increasingly, men are also joining the initiative. This is important, according to Candan. "Men play a crucial role in the fight against femicide. It is not just a women’s issue but a societal problem. It could happen to your daughter, your mother, or your sister," she concluded.
