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Free Public Toilets, Equal Sanitary Rights between Women & Men & Against Sanitary Sexism
Baharak B.
started this petition to
Government of Ghent City
Petition "Free Public Toilets in Ghent"
"Don't silence my bladder," "my bladder is full," "emancipation starts from the toilet"—these are the slogans Pee Action has actively used for over 20 years to protest against sanitary sexism at the Ghent Festivities.
Today the visitors of the festival of Ghent can use the public toilets for free sinds 2014 as a direct result of 10 years struggles of Plasactie activists.
The Sanitary sexism is still prevalent, as significantly more free urinals are offered in the Ghent Festivities zone than the free sit-down toilets for men. Moreover, the free urinals are continuously available, even though the public restrooms close from 3:00-5:00 AM. From then on, women urinating must either pay in privately operated restrooms in the hospitality industry, or urinate in public, risking a fine and/or assault, or go home!
We have taken strong action from 2004, both domestically and internationally, initiated legal actions, compiled successful petitions addressed to various levels of government, and obtained the right to speak in the city council through a municipal petition (2013).
Each action was linked to constructive consultation with various city departments and policymakers. Ghent has a long tradition of achieving equal sanitary conditions through dialogue and grassroots pressure.
It is therefore disappointing to hear that the current city council wants to make public toilets in the historic city center paying starting from 2028.
This concerns the six public restrooms: Sint-Michielshelling (Pakhuisstraat 1), Stadshal (Emile Braunplein 40), Sint-Veerleplein 9, Ottogracht 14, Oude Beestenmarkt, and Zuid (Woodrow Wilsonplein).
We are requesting through a citizen's initiative that these restrooms, like all other public restrooms in Ghent, remain free of charge. If we can collect 1,000 signatures, we will be granted the right to speak on this issue in the city council.
Since only residents of Ghent and those aged 16 and over are allowed to sign (on paper), we are also creating an online petition to demonstrate support from far beyond the city limits.This measure will also affect visitors to the city.
Sign the petition here and don't forget to share!
"Don't silence my bladder," "my bladder is full," "emancipation starts from the toilet"—these are the slogans Pee Action has actively used for over 20 years to protest against sanitary sexism at the Ghent Festivities.
Today the visitors of the festival of Ghent can use the public toilets for free sinds 2014 as a direct result of 10 years struggles of Plasactie activists.
The Sanitary sexism is still prevalent, as significantly more free urinals are offered in the Ghent Festivities zone than the free sit-down toilets for men. Moreover, the free urinals are continuously available, even though the public restrooms close from 3:00-5:00 AM. From then on, women urinating must either pay in privately operated restrooms in the hospitality industry, or urinate in public, risking a fine and/or assault, or go home!
We have taken strong action from 2004, both domestically and internationally, initiated legal actions, compiled successful petitions addressed to various levels of government, and obtained the right to speak in the city council through a municipal petition (2013).
Each action was linked to constructive consultation with various city departments and policymakers. Ghent has a long tradition of achieving equal sanitary conditions through dialogue and grassroots pressure.
It is therefore disappointing to hear that the current city council wants to make public toilets in the historic city center paying starting from 2028.
This concerns the six public restrooms: Sint-Michielshelling (Pakhuisstraat 1), Stadshal (Emile Braunplein 40), Sint-Veerleplein 9, Ottogracht 14, Oude Beestenmarkt, and Zuid (Woodrow Wilsonplein).
We are requesting through a citizen's initiative that these restrooms, like all other public restrooms in Ghent, remain free of charge. If we can collect 1,000 signatures, we will be granted the right to speak on this issue in the city council.
Since only residents of Ghent and those aged 16 and over are allowed to sign (on paper), we are also creating an online petition to demonstrate support from far beyond the city limits.This measure will also affect visitors to the city.
Sign the petition here and don't forget to share!
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