Rotterdam targets ‘manosphere’ to combat street harassment

The municipality of Rotterdam is expanding its strategy to combat sexual street harassment by targeting the ‘manosphere’—a network of online communities influencing young men. The city administration has identified this phenomenon as a ‘concerning, emerging trend’ and has included it in its 2026 Sexual Street Harassment Annual Plan.

Because advertising platforms do not allow direct targeting based on specific ideologies or individual influencers like Andrew Tate, the city is exploring indirect methods. This includes using the ‘Wees een Baas’ campaign to reach demographics through interests such as fitness, motivational speaking, entrepreneurship, and finance.

Beyond digital campaigns, Rotterdam is implementing several community-based initiatives. These include 150 theater performances at schools, meetings in youth hubs, and the potential training of youth professionals through the ‘LEFgozers’ program, which focuses on masculinity and respectful relationships. Additionally, a module on sexual street harassment will be introduced at 25 primary schools this year.