Victory for Geerte Piening as New Public Toilet Investment Begins in Oosterpark

In 2017, Geerte Piening challenged her fine for urinating in public in court, as she believed it was unfair that there were too few public toilets for women. This led to ‘pee protest actions’, the Baas in Eigen Blaas movement and finally an investment of 4 million euros in new public toilets. The first one is expected in October in the Oosterpark.

Let’s meet Geerte Piening at his place guilt took place in 2015. Near the Leidseplein, on the corner of the De Balie debate center. Then she was fined. She did not agree to this and contested the fine in court. He gave birth that the fine was justified because, although it is not pleasant, ‘as a woman you can also pee in a urinal’.

The fact that now, seven years after the trial, the first new public toilet can be seen feels like a victory for Geerte. “It took a while, but it’s great that it’s happening,” she says with a laugh.

Oosterpark

Ilana Rooderkerk (D66) submitted the motion in 2019: Boss in Own Bladder in. This was approved, which means that 4 million euros will be invested in wheelchair-friendly public toilets. The first toilets would be installed at the end of 2023. This was moved again because more time was needed for the tender. The city cannot yet say how many toilets are involved. However, the first one will be installed in the Oosterpark in October 2024.

People on the street are happy with that sight. “It is very necessary,” said two young girls. “Especially when you’re on your period, you just have nowhere to go. So better today than tomorrow.”