3 ideas for collective action to fight street harassment

As we continue to celebrate Anti-Street Harassment week, we have more and more opportunities to explain the importance of sexual harassment and street harassment. As “Stop Street Harassment” states,

Street harassment is any action or comment between strangers in public places that is disrespectful, unwelcome, threatening and/or harassing and is motivated by gender. In countries like India and

Bangladesh, it’s termed “eve teasing,” and in countries like Egypt, it’s called “public sexual harassment.” Street harassment is a human rights issue because it limits women’s ability to be in public as often or as comfortably as most men. The mobility of  all members of the LGBQT community is often restricted as well because of harassment and hateful violence motivated by the person’s actual or perceived gender expression or sexual orientation.

Here are 3 Ideas for collective action that you along with your community can take to end street harassment:

1. Engage your community. Hold an awareness-raising event, march, or create street team activism (including organizing people to hand out fliers). Show a relevant documentary or hold a speak-out at the event to generate awareness and a discussion. [Idea Guide]

2. Evaluate your community. Conduct a survey, community safety audit, or create a mapping project to document where street harassment occurs. [Idea Guide]

3. Educate your community. Teachers/coaches/mentors/leaders talk to students about street harassment.

Please share your ideas for taking collective action!