By: María Paulina López, SSH Correspondent

‘’The women’s fear to the violence of men, is the mirror of the men’s fear to fearless women.” – Eduardo Galeano

Recently, in the hallmark of a certification degree to educate and create conscience about preventing gender violence, given by the CES University and the Women’s Secretary  in Medellín, Colombia, there was published a book titled “Men caring for life.” This proposal of Denis Alonso Geldres, Rosamaría Vargas, Gladys Rocío Ariza y Silvia Gaviria Arbeláez, it’s dedicated to all Colombian women who have been victims of violence, and to the people committed to work for violence-free and equal societies.

With this model of awareness and formation they question the socialization of gender in the patriarchal model, educate men who multiply the feminist projects, involve them in the active struggle of women for equality and avoiding attitudes responsible for constant harassment.

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En Espanol

“El miedo de la mujer a la violencia del hombre, es el espejo del miedo del hombre a la mujer sin miedo.” – Eduardo Galeano

Recientemente, en el marco del Diplomado de sensibilización y formación en masculinidades género sensibles y prevención de las violencias hacía las mujeres”, en convenio  de la Universidad CES con la Secretaría de la Mujer de la Alcaldía de Medellín, se ha publicado un libro titulado “Hombres cuidadores de vida”.  Esta propuesta de Denis Alonso Geldres, Rosamaría Vargas, Gladys Rocío Ariza y Silvia Gaviria Arbeláez, está dedicada a “las mujeres colombianas que han sido víctimas de feminicidios y a las mujeres y los hombres que están trabajando en pro de una sociedad equitativa, incluyente y sin violencia”

Con este modelo de sensibilización y formación se busca  cuestionar la socialización de género en el modelo patriarcal y formar hombres multiplicadores de propuestas feministas, involucrarlos para fomentar una transformación sostenible en el empoderamiento de las mujeres.

La importancia de esta iniciativa radica en la posibilidad de trabajar con los hombres para la prevención de la violencia hacia las mujeres, una de estas violencias es el acoso callejero, estos actos abusivos afectan a millones de personas en el mundo, y aunque existen muchas maneras de actuar cuando presenciamos que alguien está siendo acosada en la calle, también podemos realizar este tipo de ideas como una acción colectiva para prevenir el acoso callejero.

Sensibilizar y formar en nuevas masculinidades, es la manera de prevenir la violencia contra la mujer, incluyendo el acoso callejero. Masculinidades amantes de la inclusión y de una vida equitativa para todos, que se comprometan con los derechos de las mujeres a caminar tranquilas por la calle, a ocupar libremente los espacios públicos, a vivir relaciones de pareja seguras y felices y a tener igualdad de oportunidades.

Estudiante de psicología, investigadora social, educadora sexual MPaulinaLopez.

By Sean Crosbie, SSH Correspondent

Last week, I attended an event called “Speak Out with Street Art” that was held at the offices of the Women’s Information Network in Washington, D.C.  This event was a collaboration among Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS), the Women’s Information Network (WIN), and Women, Action, and the Media (WAM!), as part of “WAM! It Yourself 2013,” a series of events being held in cities around the U.S. and Canada. These gatherings bring together local activists and others who are interested in advancing social justice and women’s representation in the media.

The purpose of “Speak Out with Street Art” was twofold: to explain CASS’s role in using “artivism” to empower Washingtonians to stand up to sexual harassment and assault, and to work with Graham, a D.C.-based artist, whose anti-harassment art is found around the city.

The evening started with an introduction by CASS’s Director of Community Outreach and Events, Zosia   Sztykowski, who applauded the efforts of local community organizations to bring attention to the issues of violence and harassment through art.  In addition to local efforts, Zosia showed the audience anti-harassment art from around the world, including one from the Egyptian Revolution showing Nefertiti in a gas mask.

Following this broad overview, Zosia turned the focus to Graham, a local artist who works in collaboration with CASS through the D.C. Artist Collective. A D.C.-area native, he has worked with numerous clients to create art that advances social causes.  Graham explained how one of the main functions of street art is to reclaim public space for the people, and not allow public areas to be auctioned off to the highest bidder (i.e. hotels, billboards, etc.). This philosophy has informed Graham’s work to a remarkable degree.

His work had an effect on me – the artwork definitely caught my attention when I saw it on the streets. I was instantly engaged and intrigued when I saw two of Graham’s artworks on the street in D.C., and I contacted Holly inquiring about the artist, and she let me know about this event.

After the presentation, the audience dispersed and separated into two groups:  one group joined Graham in wheatpasting a local D.C. neighborhood, and another joined Zosia at the office for a creative storytelling workshop, in which people shared their experiences about harassment. This was a great way to get people involved in “artivism,” and also to share their experiences in a supportive, open environment.

Street art is a great way to create an in-your-face message to combat street harassment and assault. Since both occur in public spaces, it is only fitting that the art be located in the same space, preferably on or near a site of harassment. This sends a message to the harassers that acts of disrespect and violence against women will not be tolerated—local activists will speak out!  The work of CASS and Graham are just some of the many efforts by local activists to send this message and to make a difference. Stop Street Harassment appreciates these conversations taking place and hopes for more in the future.

Sean has written for Stop Street Harassment since April 2011.  He is a library/research assistant at a labor union in Washington, D.C. and holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from American University.

[Editor’s note, I attended the workshop too, here are my photos.]