A 2020 Amnesty International investigation revealed that one in three young people considered insisting on sex acceptable, and one in four believed that hesitation could be seen as consent, highlighting ongoing challenges in understanding consent.

The Institute for Gender Equality in Belgium has launched a campaign to raise awareness about consent and respectful relationships among young people, addressing alarming data on sexual harassment and violence in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

This initiative also aims to educate about the reformed Belgian criminal law of 2022, which emphasizes that consent must be free, informed, voluntary, and can be withdrawn at any time, regardless of resistance.

Despite these efforts, the UN notes that much remains to be done to achieve gender equality in Belgium and globally.

Recent data from the 2024 'BEHAVES' survey shows problematic behaviors such as unwanted touching, persistent invitations despite refusals, and forced kisses or caresses, with 1.3% of respondents reporting experiences of rape or attempted rape.

The campaign will be promoted by civil society, the academic community, and will be disseminated online through social media and adult platforms to maximize awareness and impact.

Launched on September 15, the campaign will be rolled out across several Belgian cities, including Brussels, Liège, Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Namur, Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, and Louvain, with posters, flyers, and stickers in places frequented by students and in public spaces.