I’m a first year college student and the apartment I’m currently living in is near a construction site (actually it’s a house that’s being renovated). Ever since the construction began, I feel uneasy and unsafe when walking on our street because there are a few men who stare at me and sometimes make kiss sounds or whistle or make any noise.
I just ignore them.
But there’s this instance when a large group of men were laughing and calling me a girlfriend of one of their members. I felt so angry I thought I would shout at them or curse at them, but I just walked away and ignored them. But as I arrived at my apartment, I realized that this has to stop. I have to stop this.
I know I’m not the only one experiencing this. There are a lot of us feeling angry, sad, unsafe, and threatened. I have decided and promised to myself that if they won’t stop, I will tell the authorities and probably make them leave the area even if that means that they will lose their job. I don’t care. They should know and feel the consequence of their actions.
It’s time for them to feel sorry for what they do and maybe realize that catcalling women won’t benefit them.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
I think it’s time to have a kind of government who will actually address this kind of situation. It should be part of the law. This act should be punishable. It’s time to make catcallers feel scared and guilty.
– I
Location: Philippines
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea.
