2019 Swiss women's strike

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Women in the capital of Switzerland and in surrounding communities went on strike in June 2019^[1].^] Hundreds of thousands of Swiss women went on strike to protest gender inequalities on 14 June 2019. The women's strike (Frauenstreik in German and Grève des Femmes in French) included demonstrations in the country's major municipalities for equal pay, recognition of unpaid care work, laws protecting women from harassment sexually and physically, and representation in government.^[1] Women were fighting for equality and respect. The strike had been planned for a year before it started.^[1] Many women were ready for the opportunity to voice their opinions either for the first time, or for a second time after the first strike in 1991. The strike began on the early morning of 14 June 2019.^[2][1] Many women took off work and did not do household responsibilities to show the government their seriousness.^[1] These strikes took place in many major communities around Switzerland, including Bern, Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne.^[2][1] Many protestors gathered around the Federal Assembly in Bern and marched and rallied down the streets.^[1] The women on strike wore purple and had signs in purple writing^[1]—the color purple is significant because it is linked to women's suffrage and gender inequality.^[1] In addition women held up many symbols of the strike and paraded through the streets. Symbols of the movement included a sculpture of a clitoris and a model of a used tampon.^[1] These symbols are intense representations of femininity and are quite powerful when seen as large models that are being held up in the streets. Another symbol was the female sex symbol ♀ with a raised fist inside.^[2] This is a powerful symbol as it shows women are standing up to fight for their rights, and not going to back down easily. The strike commenced throughout the day and eventually came to an end at midnight. As the clock struck 12, the Lausanne Cathedral, in Lausanne Switzerland, lit up purple.^[1] This was the last sign that showed the people of Switzerland that women deserve better. A quote that fully represents the meaning of the women's strike is, "A paid work strike, a domestic work strike, a care strike, a school strike and a consumer strike".^[1]