Exploring the implementation of public policies regarding gender-based violence in the public space: A case study of the Ask for Angela campaign

This research examines how trust in institutions influences the efficacy of public policies aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV) in the public space, through the case study of the Ask for Angela campaign in Paris. As municipal governments increasingly address GBV, trust in their ability to respond to public concerns becomes a decisive factor in the success of such initiatives. Drawing on institutional theory, this thesis analyses three core mechanisms; perceived government performance, institutional responsiveness, and political will as key determinants of political trust. This study uses a qualitative methodology combining semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Interviews were conducted with campaign managers and municipal employees involved in implementing of Ask for Angela. Triangulated with municipal documents, these findings reveal that institutional trust is an essential mechanism for the efficacy of the campaign. This thesis advances the importance of tackling issues of gender studies and public policy by placing trust as a central condition for effective governance in the field of GBV prevention. It shows how initiatives like Ask for Angela can function as both a practical tool for safety and as a political signal of institutional commitment to equality in the public space and gender-responsive policy making.