Fathers can be natural allies in ending street harassment. I’m lucky to have a wonderful father who is one, and he’s organizing action in New York City for International Anti-Street Harassment Week.
He agreed to do a quick interview about why he’s involved and what’s going on in NYC. We hope this will inspire other men, especially fathers, to become involved, too!
1. Stop Street Harassment (SSH): Why are you involved with International Anti-Street Harassment Week?
Alan Kearl (AK): I was involved in last year’s activities in New York City and when I learned that in one of the largest cities of the world and found that there were just a few efforts in such a big city, I decided that this year, I could help encourage, organize and facilitate a lot more activity. New York City, a leader in so many facets of culture and life in the world, should be among the forefront of educating, speaking out and inspiring change that improves life for women and makes daily life safer for women.
2. SSH: What are you doing this year?
AK: Here in New York City, there are about 13 groups of activists who are working together to coordinate activities during International Anti-Street Harassment Week. We are trying to have activities that engage, men and women of all ages and demographics in all five of the boroughs of New York. Confirmed events include a self-defense class for middle schoolers, a fabulous performance art event that will engage attendees in understanding the street harassment, educational workshops held in public school classrooms, a viral video of men talking to men about the consequences of street harassment, a brilliant new program that will offer bystanders a way to help victims and others. Our efforts will culminate with a rally on Saturday, March 24th at which we’ll have several passionate, articulate speakers.
3. SSH: Why does speaking out on this issue matter to you?
AK: Why I’m speaking out on this issue — I have an amazing daughter who has exposed me to the fact that virtually every female, more than half of the world, is subject to harassment for no other reason than that they are female. I have learned from her that this harassment causes all sorts of problems from obvious things like hurt, anxiety, fear, anger, and humiliation; to worse things like bodily and emotional injury; to changing habits, limiting activity and even moving and changing jobs. This is a huge toll on more than half of the people in the world and it is sobering to think that this is caused by the other half of the world’s populations, males and to think that I’m a male. I have come to know that I need to do something to make up for, curtail and hopefully stop the horrific acts intended or not, of the males of this world. I want the world to be a safe place for all females.
Update: Here is a video of both my parents talking about why they’re involved in International Anti-Street Harassment Week.
Alan Kearl is the proud father of three daughters and has been happily married to his sweetheart for the past 32 years. He lives in New York City and is the Chief Operating Officer of a cosmetics manufacturing company. Much of his adult life has been spent surrounded by women and involved in women’s issues. He operates by the maxim that making the world a better place starts by being aware of, interested in and respectful of the very next person he encounters.
