On March 20, spring will officially be here. I’m looking forward to wearing shorts when I go running, seeing flowers and green leaves instead of dead ones, and visiting the local farmer’s market.
But, like many other women, I’m not looking forward to an increase in gender-based street harassment — the catcalls, whistles, hoots, sexist or sexually explicit comments, and worse — that some men subject women to in public places. This threat unfortunately increases with rising temperatures.
This year I’m taking a stand against this bullying behavior that is shockingly socially acceptable, and you can, too. Join people around the world and participate in the first annual International Anti-Street Harassment Day on March 20.
On that day, many people will take the simple — but important — action of sharing their street harassment stories online or in person with friends and family. Ending the silence around this topic is a crucial contribution to its end. Others will write articles or create lesson plans to teach their classes or community groups about street harassment.
Several go-getters are organizing other community actions. Here are a few examples of confirmed activism opportunities with information about how you can become involved if you live in these areas.
- In Washington, D.C., I’m working with AAUW Community Action Project grantee Holla Back DC! to conduct a community safety audit of the eight D.C. wards. Learn more and sign up to volunteer.
- In Atlanta, Georgia, activists are surveying transit riders at major MARTA stations. E-mail atl@ihollaback.org if you’d like to participate.
- In Baltimore, Maryland, there will be a community meeting about street harassment with a question-and-answer session about the topic and a self-defense demonstration. Free child care will be provided. Learn more.
Internationally, people in Canada, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago are currently planning what they will do to address street harassment in their countries for International Anti-Street Harassment Day.
On my website, I have 10 ideas for what you can do to participate, including simply agreeing to share your stories. Once you’ve decided what to do, be sure to list your planned action on this map and RSVP on Facebook.
I hope you’ll consider taking part in this historic day and join me in reminding everyone that spring is no excuse for street harassment.
AAUW Dialog 
Yes! It is of a great importance!
I would like to point out that you feel extremely unguarded when you are a tourist. Yes! It is true. Even in the USA. I remember I was 21 years old when I met the most offensive sexual harassment in my life traveling to Atlantic City. It was not on the street but in a public place (in a casino). A female friend of mine was robbed. We were crying because all our money, credit cards and cellphones were stollen. Then one man in his late 60 (i guess) came to us and suggested to “go to his room and make some money”.
I was shocked.. Several years have passed since that time but i still feel that something was broken inside of me.
Probably somebody could give me the answer what should we do in this situation? How to penalize such men for thier sexual harassment?
What great ideas!