The Local Switzerland

OPINION: Has anything improved for women in Switzerland in recent years?

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:04:58 +0200

The 2019 women’s strike in Switzerland was hailed by organisers as the largest political action since the 1918 General Strike. As women in the country prepare to march again, Clare O’Dea asks what has been achieved since then?

Switzerland labelled a 'pimp state' for its attitude towards prostitution

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:15:02 +0200

Switzerland has been blasted as being a "pimp state" for its laws around prostitution, in a special UN report set to be released on Friday.

Could Switzerland officially recognise a third gender status?

Tue, 14 May 2024 17:23:06 +0200

Legally, there are only two sexes in Switzerland: men and women. But could Nemo’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday change this?

Five things that reveal Switzerland's unique approach to prostitution

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:38:34 +0100

Given Swiss organisational skills and knack for efficiency, it is not surprising that the world’s oldest profession is micro-managed as well.

Switzerland rapped for being 'sexist' towards men over pensions

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:32:52 +0200

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Tuesday rapped Switzerland for stopping a widower's pension, saying it amounted to sexism.

Scientist angers CERN with 'offensive' address on women and science

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 18:58:15 +0200

Europe's physics lab CERN on Monday disavowed a lecture by an invited scientist who claimed physics was "built by men", and accused women of demanding specialist jobs without suitable qualifications.

US researcher blasts Swiss magazine's sexist depiction

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 18:34:50 +0200

Kate Darling, an expert in robot ethics, has criticized Swiss magazine Bilanz after it published an article that made reference to her cleavage.

Anger over 'sexist' clothing rules for girls at Swiss high school

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 11:34:37 +0200

Girls at a high school in the Swiss canton of Bern have reacted angrily to an email suggesting they dress in a less provocative manner.

Student leads criticism of sexist campaigning

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:38:41 +0100

A 19-year-old student from the canton of Valais has gone viral after adding her voice to the many commentators criticising the perceived sexism surrounding the campaigning for this Sunday’s referendum.

Rising Swiss gender pay gap above EU average

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 22:18:30 +0100

The pay gap between women and men in Switzerland is above the average in Europe and has risen since 2008, a new study shows.

Pizza maker under fire for 'sexy' delivery staff

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 13:10:00 +0200

A pizza company is taking flak in the canton of Vaud for advertising for young and pretty women to deliver its products.

Swiss men in line for paternity leave boost

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:14:00 +0100

The Federal Commission for Women's Issues (CFQF) has asked the government to change the law and grant parents a minimum of 24 weeks of paid leave to be divided equally between mother and father after their child is born.