Hangout spot for girls in Theo van Gogh Park: Don't walk away, but claim the space
A new designated hangout spot with painted picnic tables has opened in Amsterdam's Theo van Goghpark to address safety concerns among local girls. The project aims to empower girls to reclaim public space after surveys indicated they frequently felt harassed and intimidated by large groups of boys in the area.
A new dedicated hangout spot for girls has been established in the Theo van Goghpark on IJburg. Featuring brightly painted picnic tables, the area was created after a survey by the Amsterdam East district revealed that many local girls felt unsafe in the park due to harassment from large groups of boys. By placing the tables in a prominent, highly visible location at the park's entrance, officials hope to encourage girls to claim the space as their own rather than avoiding it.
The project involved collaboration with local youths, including 13-year-old Kylaijah, who helped paint the tables, and the organization Girls Forward. District chairman Emre Ünver emphasized that the initiative aims to boost the girls' confidence and sense of ownership over public spaces. Youth workers hope that this designated area will provide a safe environment for girls to socialize without the fear of intimidation or catcalling, ultimately changing the dynamic of the park for all visitors.
Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
