Women's strike in Switzerland: What expats need to know
By Jan de Boer
Every year on June 14, the Women's Strike (Grève Féministe/Feministischer Streik) will take place across Switzerland. People come together to mark the anniversary of when gender equality was made a matter of law in Switzerland. The event is designed to highlight women’s issues by disrupting Swiss cities and cantons.
What is the Swiss women's strike?
The women's strike in Switzerland is one of the largest demonstrations to be held in the country each year - 300.000 people attended strike events in 2023. The event aims to “take over” the streets with banners, protests and speeches, causing mass disruption designed to highlight women's rights issues.
The so-called “purple wave” is held annually on June 14 - the date when women’s equality under the law was approved by Swiss citizens at a referendum in 1981. Every year, the march hopes to promote the major issues women face in the present, such as unequal salaries, working hours, and premarital and reproductive rights.
What are the goals of the women's rights march in Switzerland?
The 2026 event is expected to be quite rowdy, with a statement from the official Women's Strike noting that equality "is still far from being achieved" in Switzerland. Some of the most pressing issues raised this year include increasing low wages, ending pay discrimination between men and women, protecting working hours to enable work life balance, making childcare services more affordable, and combating sexual harassment.
Where and when is the women's strike in Switzerland being held?
The event on June 14 is set to take place across multiple cities and cantons, so drivers and commuters should expect large disruptions once the events get underway. Official women's strike events like speeches, lectures and other forms of protest usually start at 9am and continue on into the early hours of the morning - although the main marches and demonstrations usually take place from 5pm. The largest processions are held in Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne and Basel.
For more information about what strike events are taking place where you live, check out the official website.
Check traffic reports regularly during the strike
If attendance numbers are similar to previous years, roads and motorways across all Swiss cities are expected to be affected. Check traffic reports regularly if you are planning a journey during these times and leave ample time for any possible delays.
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more