Why we can't stop talking about street harassment during coronavirus
There are many at the moment who are making it their mission to draw attention to the specific violations of women’s rights that are being exacerbated during COVID-19. Caroline Criado Perez has kept up an onslaught of pressure calling for MPs to address the ill-fitting PPE provided to frontline female workers. And the End Violence Against Women Coalition have continued to campaign for better support for victims of domestic violence, an issue that has become all the more pressing given the recent spike in domestic violence incidences and deaths.
The demand for the lives and experiences of women to be taken seriously are a reminder that we cannot put difficult conversations on hold until we are through this crisis. Gender inequality has not been suspended in order for us to deal with the pandemic, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the reports of street harassment during lockdown. I know what you’re thinking. Surely of all the things to be exacerbated during a pandemic, street harassment is low down on the list? With fewer people on the streets and a concerted effort to maintain social distancing this should be a non-issue. Sadly, the lived experiences of many women and girls during this period tell a different story and reveal how perpetrators are using COVID-19 as an excuse to harass women.
Zoe Stromberg describes her experiences, ‘I went out for a walk with my dog and got cat-called three times in half an hour.’ One man slowed down in his car and shouted out: "Nice arse, come self-isolate with me." Another man beeped his horn, and two male joggers ran past me saying: "You're looking nice today - where you going? You better stay indoors." I had to swerve to get away from them.’
Instagram account @cutecatcalls illustrates stories of sexual harassment
A poll carried out by Plan UK found that 1 in 5 girls have experienced sexual harassment during lockdown and that 1 in 5 of these girls who have experienced street harassment during this time say the harassment has got worse during lockdown.
The culture of objectifying women and viewing our bodies as vessels for male pleasure continues unabated. And while these deeply embedded attitudes and beliefs go unchallenged, the streets have become increasingly unsafe for women and girls, forcing many to stay inside. These statistics and testimonies serve as a vital reminder that education about the structures and cultures that enable sexual harassment to thrive is no less vital now than it will be in a post-pandemic world. We cannot afford to wait to equip young people with the necessary knowledge, critical thought tools and courage to tackle this culture.
Inspired to support your students in understanding how street harassment is part of a wider culture of gender inequality and sexual violence?
Bold Voices is here to help with videos, webinars and resources...
Women Are Still Being Harassed In The Streets During Lockdown
Jessica Morgan writes for Refinery29 about women's individual experiences of street harassment during lockdown.
Our Streets Now: the campaign to make street harassment illegal
Sisters, Maya and Gemma, are campaigning to make street harassment illegal in the UK. Sign their petition and learn more about how they are raising awareness and creating change.
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