Debates around gender equality in public saunas have become increasingly common in Luxembourg. Men sometimes complain that their sauna access is restricted due to women-only evenings, while women may feel disadvantaged by mixed-gender sessions if they prefer not to share the space with men.
In response to complaints from both men and women, the Luxembourg Centre for Equal Treatment (CET) has examined how public saunas across the country manage gender equality. The CET received several grievances highlighting dissatisfaction with current arrangements.
The CET recommends that, wherever possible, public saunas should provide three distinct areas: one for women, one for men, and one mixed-gender area. This approach, they argue, would allow everyone to benefit equally from sauna facilities and better accommodate individual preferences.
If physically separate areas are not feasible, the CET suggests scheduling designated women-only and men-only days, ensuring that each gender has its own exclusive access at regular intervals.
Regardless of the model adopted, the centre emphasises that pricing structures must remain identical for all users.
Finally, the CET stresses the importance of having a clearly displayed code of conduct in every public sauna, along with a confidential system for reporting inappropriate behaviour. Such measures would help to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.
