Around two hundred men join 'Men's March' through Amsterdam city center: 'I want other men to hold me accountable for my mistakes'

Around two hundred men participated in the 'Mannenmars' on Saturday morning, walking a five-kilometer route through the center of Amsterdam. The march, which started at Dam Square and concluded at Museumplein, was organized to protest against sexism, violence, and the abuse of women. Organizer Oscar Kroes emphasized that the goal is to encourage men to take responsibility and foster a cultural shift that makes women feel safer in public spaces. While the protest was intended primarily for men, some women joined at the back of the procession to show support and signal their commitment to the cause.

Participants expressed various motivations for joining, ranging from a desire for personal accountability regarding past mistakes to a broader hope for societal improvement. Despite the organizers' intentions, the march faced criticism from feminist groups. Critics argued that the initiative relies on outdated gender roles, suggesting that framing men as 'protectors' reinforces traditional patriarchal structures rather than promoting true equality. The event remains a subject of public debate regarding the most effective ways to address gender-based violence and social inequality.