Consent Culture Is Political: How Our Systems Still Police Women’s Bodies
What if every “yes” was celebrated, and every “no” was respected—no questions asked❔ In 2025, this vision is still far from reality. Despite louder conversations about consent, the fundamental right to bodily autonomy remains fiercely contested—especially for women and marginalized groups. If you care about gender equality, human rights, or social justice, understanding how our systems continue to police women’s bodies is essential.
What Is Consent Culture?
Consent culture is the belief that every person has the right to decide what happens to their body, free from coercion, shame, or punishment. This idea goes beyond sexual consent; it covers medical decisions, parenting, clothing, and freedom of movement. Yet, as UNFPA explains, bodily autonomy is still debated and denied in many places, including The Hague and across Europe.
The Politics of Consent in The Hague and Beyond
Consent is never just personal—it’s political. Laws, schools, and workplaces all send powerful signals about whose bodies matter. Consider these examples from The Hague and the Netherlands:
Reproductive rights in Europe: The Netherlands ranks third in the EU for gender equality, but debates over abortion access and reproductive autonomy continue. In the U.S., states with restrictive reproductive policies see higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to more progressive states. The health impacts of denying autonomy are real and measurable.
Sexual violence statistics in The Hague: In 2023, Dutch police recorded 6,240 female victims of sexual violence, with women making up 87% of all victims. That year, 48 women were victims of homicide—36 of them killed in domestic contexts. Even in countries with high gender equality, violence and control over women’s bodies persist (EIGE).
Sex work policy and labour rights: The Hague is known for its regulated sex work sector, but recent policy changes—like closing designated sex work zones—have pushed many into less safe environments. Across the EU, 41.1% of trafficking victims are sexually exploited. Belgium’s new labour rights for sex workers are being watched as a model for improving safety and autonomy.
Dress codes and gender expression: School dress codes often disproportionately target girls. In one Dutch district, 70% of school staff supported male teachers enforcing dress codes for female students, raising questions about who polices girls’ bodies and why (ACLU).
Why Bodily Autonomy Still Isn’t Guaranteed
Even in progressive cities like The Hague, bodily autonomy is conditional. It depends on your gender, race, class, and citizenship. The Netherlands scores 78.8 out of 100 for gender equality, ranking among the top in the EU, especially in health, money, and work. Still, challenges remain—particularly in the domains of power and knowledge, and in addressing persistent violence and the underrepresentation of women in leadership.
Building a True Consent Culture
To build a genuine consent culture, we must address power imbalances, change outdated laws, and hold institutions accountable. Progress is happening—labour rights for sex workers and new policies in The Hague are steps forward—but much work remains. Consent must become the rule, not the exception.
Final Thoughts
When we ask, what is consent culture, we’re really asking: What kind of world do we want? One where everyone, regardless of gender, is free to make choices about their own body? Or one where outdated rules still pretend that control is care?
Consent isn’t just a personal value—it’s a political act. It’s time our systems started acting like it.
Sources & Further Reading
HerHague: The Feminist Timeline📜
HerHague: The Timeline of Feminism is a blog series uncovering the stories of feminist pioneers and movements that shaped The Hague—from the 1900s to today.
Have someone in mind we should feature? Email us or slide into our DMs—we’d love to hear from you
Marianne Klerck-van Hogendorp
When we talk about the roots of Dutch feminism—especially in The Hague—it’s impossible to ignore the pivotal role of Marianne Klerck-van Hogendorp (1834–1909). A noblewoman turned activist, she helped shape the moral and social fabric of early Dutch feminism through her work on women’s rights, education, and public decency.
💰From Aristocracy to Activism
Born into an elite family, Klerck-van Hogendorp defied the expectations of her social class. While many women of her time remained confined to domestic life, she chose public service and moral reform. Her background gave her access to political and social circles that few women could enter at the time, and she used that privilege to amplify the voices of women across the Netherlands—particularly in The Hague.
Her commitment to social purity and moral consciousness led her to co-found the Nederlandsch Vrouwenbond tot Verhooging van het Zedelijk Bewustzijn (Dutch Women’s Union for the Increase of Moral Awareness) in 1883. Based in The Hague, this organization focused primarily on combating prostitution, advocating for equal moral standards for men and women, and empowering women to participate in public debates about ethics, sexuality, and social justice.
✊ Why Her Work Matters
Klerck-van Hogendorp’s activism marked a critical phase of first-wave feminism in the Netherlands. At a time when the feminist agenda was often limited to suffrage or education, she widened the scope to include moral autonomy, gender equality in sexual standards, and public safety for women—issues that remain relevant today.
Her influence helped shape The Hague into a city where feminist and humanitarian ideals took concrete form. Through lectures, political lobbying, and organizational leadership, she was instrumental in carving out space for women's voices in both government policy and civil society.
- Marianne Klerck-van Hogendorp | Vrouwelijke pioniers. (2019, February 22). Atria.
5 Upcoming Feminist Events in The Hague You Can’t Miss ✊♀️
Explore 5 top feminist events in The Hague for 2025–2026. Empower women, network, and lead change through summits, panels & International Women’s Day.
1. Rise & Lead Summit & Awards 2025
🗓️ Date: September 11–12, 2025
📍 Location: World Forum, The Hague
Join influential leaders, executives, and changemakers at the Rise & Lead Summit & Awards 2025, a two-day event dedicated to driving gender-balanced leadership and empowering women across sectors. Expect inspiring speakers, actionable workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities right in the heart of The Hague1.
2. 26th Women’s Leadership Summit – Europe Edition
🗓️ Date: October 2–3, 2025
📍 Location: Amsterdam (near The Hague)
The 26th Women’s Leadership Summit – Europe Edition brings together CEOs, directors, and aspiring leaders to discuss authentic leadership, innovation, and the power of saying no. This hybrid event is ideal for anyone seeking to refine their leadership skills and expand their professional network in the region25.
3. 9th Annual Global Women in Leadership Summit 2025
🗓️ Date: March 26, 2025
📍 Location: The Hague (venue TBA)
The 9th Annual Global Women in Leadership Summit is set to gather top business leaders and innovators to share actionable strategies for advancing equality and inclusion. The 2025 theme, "Take Action: Lead the Change," promises to deliver practical insights and real-world inspiration for women leaders at all stages4.
4. NATO Summit 2025 – Women in Security & Leadership Panels
🗓️ Date: June 24–26, 2025
📍 Location: World Forum, The Hague
While the 2025 NATO Summit is primarily a global security event, it will feature dedicated panels and discussions on women’s roles in peace, security, and leadership. This is a unique opportunity to witness and participate in high-level conversations about gender, diplomacy, and global change6.
5. International Women’s Day Events The Hague 2026
🗓️ Date: March 8, 2026
📍 Location: Various venues, The Hague
Each year, The Hague hosts a citywide celebration for International Women’s Day, featuring panel discussions, art exhibitions, and networking opportunities. While the 2026 program details are forthcoming, you can expect a vibrant, inclusive festival that brings together feminists, allies, and community leaders from across the region. Check the official city website for updates as the date approaches.