Bonn joins Cologne in mass protests against sexualised violence and misogyny
Hundreds of people also took to the streets in Bonn's city center on Sunday to protest sexualized violence, following a demonstration of more than 5,000 in Cologne the day before.
One sign reads, "Girls just wanna be safe," a twist on Cindy Lauper's classic "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Another placard declares, "We are furious." Over 500 protesters gathered in front of the old town hall on the market square. The rally was organized by a broad coalition of Bonn's city council parties—Greens, CDU, SPD, and Volt.
The debate over digital violence was reignited by a recent Der Spiegel investigation, which revealed allegations by actress Collien Fernandes against her ex-husband, actor Christian Ulmen. According to Fernandes, Ulmen created fake online profiles of her for years and used them to spread pornographic content.
Tougher Laws?
Tim Achtermeyer, co-leader of the Greens in North Rhine-Westphalia and a Bonn native, took the stage to criticize Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for his remarks on the issue. Instead of pointing to immigration, Achtermeyer said he had hoped Merz would advocate for stricter laws to protect women—a demand met with loud applause.
The response was far more subdued when female CDU politicians from the party's Women's Union spoke, even though they, too, called for greater protections for women. Some in the crowd even booed. Apparently, it does matter which party champions women's rights. The CDU women's calls for more respect went unheeded.
A Stronger Stance Against Misogyny
Every speaker urged men to take responsibility and show greater resolve. Violence begins with small acts, they warned—degrading or belittling remarks about women must be firmly challenged. Such misogynistic attitudes, they stressed, often pave the way for violence against women.
On Saturday, despite cold and rainy weather, more than 5,000 people had already marched in Cologne against sexualized violence. That so many gathered again in Bonn the very next day underscores how deeply this issue resonates in the Rhineland.
