Confronting Misogyny in Latvia
December 7, 2020 | Donor Direct Action
In July 2019, the "Ghetto Games," a street sports event for young people in a Riga suburb of Latvia produced a series of posters aimed at young men with pictures of submissive and sexualized women referring to them as “bitches.” Marta Centre, a leading Latvian women's rights organization that works against domestic violence and sex trafficking, spearheaded a campaign to shut down these extremely misogynistic advertisements.
Marta Centre spearheaded a campaign to shut down these extremely misogynistic advertisements.
Marta organized a robust campaign involving the press and social media calling for removal of the posters, noting they were “a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of gender equality and are seen as offensive to the dignity of women and girls.” Following their public critique, representatives of Marta met with Ghetto Games explaining the harms such advertisement campaigns cause. The Ministry of Welfare and The Ombudsman’s Office echoed Marta's criticism of the Ghetto Games ads. The posters were recalled within a few days after their launch.
Marta Centre continues to be one of a handful of women’s rights organizations Latvia that works to end violence against women and trafficking by supporting survivors, advocating for stronger laws and policies and organizing preventive programs for youth.
