Irfan Attari Kashmiri
Harassment of women in public spaces, such as buses, offices, and other places, continues to be a pervasive issue across the globe. This form of gender-based violence has a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of women, hindering their ability to fully participate in society. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to prevent and address such incidents. In this article, I will delve into the strategies to prevent harassment, the role of youth and NGOs in creating change, and how individuals can raise their voices to combat this social ill.
The prevalence of harassment
Harassment of women is an alarming reality that has existed for decades. In public spaces like buses, women often face unwelcome advances, catcalling, and even physical assault. Workplaces, too, have not been immune to harassment, as women have been subjected to inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, and more subtle forms of discrimination. Such behavior perpetuates a hostile environment, contributing to a cycle of fear and silence that needs to be broken.
Preventing harassment
Preventing harassment requires a multifaceted approach that involves both individuals and institutions. Some key strategies include:
1. Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness and education about harassment is crucial to change societal attitudes. Comprehensive educational programs can be integrated into school curriculums and workplace training sessions, raising awareness about what constitutes harassment and its detrimental impact on individuals and society.
2. Empowering Women: Women should be encouraged to stand up for their rights and assert themselves confidently in public spaces. Empowerment can be achieved through self-defense training, mentorship programs, and by celebrating strong female role models.
3. Implementing Strict Policies: Employers and public transport authorities must enforce stringent anti-harassment policies. Transparent reporting mechanisms should be established, ensuring that victims can safely report incidents without fear of retaliation.
4. Surveillance and Technology: The use of surveillance cameras and mobile applications that allow individuals to report incidents in real-time can act as a deterrent and aid in holding perpetrators accountable.
The Role of youth and NGOs
The youth and NGOs play a pivotal role in the fight against harassment. As agents of change, they can:
1. Foster Safe Spaces: Youth-led initiatives can create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and express their concerns. These forums not only provide emotional support but also encourage collective action against harassment.
2. Advocacy and Policy Reform: NGOs can advocate for policy reforms and the implementation of laws that prioritize the safety and well-being of women. They can lobby for better transportation infrastructure, increased law enforcement presence, and specialized support services for victims.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Youth and NGOs can collaborate on awareness campaigns using social media, workshops, and community events. These campaigns challenge societal norms, shatter stereotypes, and foster empathy among communities.
4. Training and Workshops: Youth-led NGOs can organize workshops on gender sensitivity and consent to sensitize both men and women about their roles in preventing harassment.
Raising one’s voice
To raise one’s voice against harassment, individuals can take several steps:
1. Speak Up: If you witness harassment, speak up and intervene if it’s safe to do so. Show solidarity with the victim and help create a sense of collective responsibility.
2. Report Incidents: If you experience or witness harassment, report it to the appropriate authorities, whether it’s the workplace HR department or public transport authorities. Your report may be crucial in holding the perpetrator accountable.
3. Support Survivors: If someone confides in you about their harassment experience, be a supportive listener. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
4. Engage in Advocacy: Join or support local NGOs working to combat harassment. Participate in rallies, sign petitions, and demand policy changes that prioritize women’s safety.
A resilient stand: Maria’s journey from Budgam to Srinagar
Note: The following story is not based on true events. The name “Maria” is a pseudonym used to protect the individual’s privacy.
In the picturesque region of Kashmir, Maria, a young professional, embarked on her daily commute from Budgam to Srinagar via the local bus. The serene landscapes provided a stark contrast to the challenges she faced during her journey, as she encountered an issue all too common for women in public spaces.
One winter morning, as Maria boarded the bus, she noticed a man who seemed to be staring at her intensely. She tried to brush it off, attributing it to mere curiosity. However, as the journey progressed, she sensed his gaze becoming more intrusive, causing a sense of unease to settle in.
Maria had heard stories from her friends and colleagues about similar incidents on buses, and her heart sank as she realized she was facing a similar situation. As the bus meandered through the winding roads of Kashmir, the man in question moved closer to Maria, invading her personal space.
Fear gripped her heart, but she remembered the stories she had heard about courageous women who stood up against harassment. Drawing strength from those tales, Maria mustered the courage to confront the situation. In a firm voice, she spoke up, “Please maintain some distance; you are making me uncomfortable.”
The man seemed taken aback by her assertiveness, and for a moment, the bus fell silent. Maria was afraid of potential backlash, but she knew she had to take a stand for her dignity and safety. To her relief, the man eventually backed away, seemingly aware that his inappropriate behavior was not going unnoticed.
Although the immediate threat had been thwarted, Maria couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability. She reflected on the pervasive nature of harassment faced by women in public spaces and felt a growing determination to challenge this societal norm.
During her lunch break, Maria shared her experience with her friends at work. Surprisingly, they revealed similar encounters and acknowledged that such incidents were far too common. Together, they decided to raise awareness about harassment on buses in Kashmir.
As a close-knit group, they decided to use pseudonyms in public to protect their identities. They organized workshops and awareness campaigns, reaching out to local NGOs for guidance and support. They also collaborated with the transportation authorities to advocate for safer commuting experiences for women.
The campaign began to gain traction, with more and more women sharing their experiences. Each story added to the collective strength of their cause, and Maria felt empowered by the growing support. The initiative attracted media attention, and the use of pseudonyms allowed them to speak openly without fear of reprisal.
In an unprecedented move, the transportation authorities in Kashmir took note of Maria and her team’s efforts. They recognized the need for change and, following successful discussions with the group, committed to implementing specific measures.
Maria and her team successfully persuaded the authorities to install surveillance cameras on buses traveling between Budgam and Srinagar. This step aimed to deter potential harassers and ensure greater safety for passengers. Furthermore, a dedicated helpline was established for reporting incidents of harassment in real-time, offering immediate assistance to those in distress.
As the days turned into weeks, the impact of the campaign became evident. Reports of harassment on buses decreased significantly, and women felt a renewed sense of confidence while commuting. The success of their initiative transcended regional boundaries, inspiring other communities to take similar actions.
Maria’s journey from being a silent victim to a fierce advocate resonated deeply with women across Kashmir. As she traveled on the bus from Budgam to Srinagar, she felt a newfound sense of pride in her community’s resilience. Her pseudonymous identity allowed her to speak up without fear, and her determination brought about positive change.
The story of Maria’s unwavering resolve remains an enduring testament to the power of collective action and the impact of standing up against harassment. The legacy of her courage continues to inspire generations of women to reclaim their spaces and assert their right to safety, dignity, and freedom as they journey through life.
The fight against harassment is a collective responsibility that requires a concerted effort from individuals, institutions, and society as a whole. By implementing preventive strategies, empowering women, and engaging youth and NGOs in advocacy, we can create a safer environment for women in public spaces. Raising our voices against harassment is not just an act of empathy, but a transformative step towards building an inclusive and equitable society for all. Only then can we hope to eradicate the pervasive issue of harassment and create a world where women can thrive without fear.
(The author is a renowned social activist/ writer, President of Foundation For Youth Web & Student Of Cybersecurity and can be reached at [email protected])
