I was walking in the center of Santiago, Chile, where I receive catcalls and whistles several times a day. As I passed a man on the sidewalk he said, “Hello pretty girl, you are beautiful.” I said something ugly but he continued. So I said, “Hey! Don’t talk to me like that. I don’t know you. Shut up.” He looked flustered and repeated, “Shut up?” I said, “Yes. Leave me alone,” and walked off. He didn’t call anything after me.
In Chilean culture it’s very unusual for people to directly confront each other about things, especially in public. This happened to be right in front of a restaurant with seating on the sidewalk, so a lot of people saw it happen. My hope is that the man was so embarrassed that he will think twice about doing it again.
– Anonymous
Location: Av. Portugal, Santiago, Chile
Share your street harassment story today and help raise awareness about the problem.
Find suggestions for what YOU can do about this human rights issue.
