09/01/2024
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"Psssst"
"Miss, come here!"
"wolf whistles~"
"Hi miss beautiful.."
If you hear this from a stranger, does it sound like a compliment or a catcall?
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, compliment is an expression of esteem, respect, affection or admiration to someone. Whereas Catcall or Street Harassment is a rude, derogatory or unwelcome comment, it can vary from kissing noises, whistling, making sexist and/or degrading comments at someone.
The public space is a place that provides an environment that is accessible and open to the public. It is a place where people gather and interact in various activities. Unfortunately, along the dark corners, there lurk catcalls that echo unwanted voices, disturbing and making us feel uneasy about ourselves.
Anyone can be a victim of catcalling. Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime (Karl, 2018). The UN Women Survey found that 97% of women aged 18 - 24 years old had experience sexual harassment and 70% had experienced harassment in a public space (Sorcha Alford, 2023).
The main problem is that some victims of this harrassment refrain to voice out and are suffering alone. Which causes this issue to be unrecognized and unresolved, which furthermore results in the normalization of this type of harassment.
Raising awareness, educating and advocating for legal measures is a good start to put an end to catcalling.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=139396114068054