After meeting and corresponding with AAUW members across the country, I know they care deeply about ending the sexual harassment that occurs not only in workplaces and schools but also in public spaces. Yesterday, the New York City Council showed that they care about this issue, too. They held the first-ever hearing on sexual harassment that happens in public spaces, which is termed street harassment. Because I’ve written a book about this topic, the council asked me to testify at the hearing. More than 200 media outlets have picked up the story, and I am hopeful that other cities will follow New York’s lead and take this issue seriously. Women and girls deserve the right to be in public spaces without suffering harassment and threats to their safety.
Read my testimony, or watch a video from the hearing below.
Holly, I am so happy that you are taking this cause. I do not live in New York..but my daughter attend Columbia University and have expressed to me her concerns of feeling uncomfortable by the unwanted attention from men on the street. I would love to see you talk about this issue on the Good Morning Amercia or the Today Show.
Keep up the good work.
[…] is New York City the home to the original Hollaback but the New York City council recently held the first hearing on street harassment. Our friend and street harassment expert Holly Kearl was there to contribute to the […]
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I’m so glad this issue is being discussed. Excellent testimony.
Wow, that’s great, Holly!