Steinsel, Luxembourg | 16 May 2025
Lëtz Be Inclusive! is drawing attention to a recent incident of gender-based harassment in Alzingen, where a woman was verbally intimidated by a male resident upon entering a residential building that houses a veterinary clinic.
The woman, who was bringing her cat for treatment — the animal is currently undergoing care for stage 4 cancer — greeted the man politely as he worked in his garden in front of the building. In response, he approached her, raised his voice, and adopted a threatening stance, expressing anger about the clinic’s presence.
“What began as a simple act of kindness — a greeting — escalated into an effort to assert dominance and instill fear,” said a spokesperson for Lëtz Be Inclusive!. “This is gender-based harassment, and it is unacceptable — both legally and morally.”
Despite the intimidation, the woman remained calm and compassionate, wishing the man love and good health. But the incident underscores a broader issue: the normalization of intimidation and gender-based hostility in everyday public and semi-public spaces.
🚫 Gender-Based Harassment Is a Violation of Rights
Under Luxembourg and EU law, gender-based harassment is recognized as a form of discrimination and a violation of human dignity and equality. Verbal and non-physical intimidation are not minor infractions — they are legally and socially significant.
“Harassment is not just a bad attitude — it is a violation of dignity.”
“Equality means calling out every form of violence — even (and especially) the quiet ones.”
“Luxembourg is not immune.”
Lëtz Be Inclusive! warns that this incident reflects a broader pattern of women being made to feel unsafe, silenced, or unwelcome in shared environments.
📣 A Call to Action
Lëtz Be Inclusive! urges:
- Property managers and local authorities to take reports of verbal harassment seriously, even in semi-private spaces.
- The public to recognise that gender-based violence includes intimidation and control, not only physical assault.
- Victims and witnesses to speak up and access available support services.
🤝 Support Is Available
If you have experienced or witnessed harassment in Luxembourg, contact:
- CID Fraen an Gender – www.cid-fg.lu
- CET Luxembourg – Centre for Equal Treatment – www.cet.lu
- Lëtz Be Inclusive! – www.lbi.lu
💬 Final Word
To the woman who stood her ground with compassion — we see you, and we stand with you.
No one should need courage just to be kind.
Public and shared spaces must be safe for everyone