Study finds sexism remains widespread in Belgium

Nearly all women in Belgium have experienced sexism at school or in the workplace, and almost as many men say they have witnessed it, according to new research by JUMP, a European gender-equality organisation. The survey, published on Monday, found that 98 per cent of women had faced sexist behaviour, while 97 per cent of men had observed it.

JUMP gathered responses from 4,000 women and 1,000 men in Belgium and France. Despite greater awareness in the wake of the #MeToo movement, the group says inappropriate jokes and comments remain largely normalised in Belgian culture. Two in three women report that sexism is as frequent as ever, or becoming more so. Almost half of men agree. Four in five young women view sexism as a very serious issue.

The study suggests France is faring better: both employers and employees there are reportedly more adept at identifying and reporting sexism. They are supported by a legal framework that requires workplaces to have formal reporting procedures. This, says JUMP’s Filip de Groeve, has influenced French workplace culture. The organisation argues that Belgium should adopt similar legislation.

Three-quarters of women in the survey did not report incidents of sexism. Among those who did, two-thirds said they received no protection at work. JUMP warns that such behaviour continues to affect women’s mental health, wellbeing and career prospects.

^{Students gather for a protest action against sexism and sexual harassment in higher education in Namur © BELGA PHOTO MAXIME ASSELBERGHS}