The Middle East seems to be breeding grounds central for street harassment and Jordan was no exception. I speak not only for myself but for all expat women who have lived, or still live in the Middle East, when I say that street harassment there is a problem we face multiple times every day and it slowly wears you away, grinding away your confidence and sense of security.

The harassment ranged from leering stares, cat calls, sexually explicit comments and sometimes grabbing and groping.
Given the chance to go back to a higher paying, wonderful job, I turned it down, as no doubt countless others have as well, in large part because I was tired of being harassed day in and day out. It does not matter what women wear, they all still get harassed. Responding in any way only seemed to egg the guys on, rendering us (rather) powerless in terms of finding a solution to the problem.

The slow erosion of self that many experience show the truly damaging effect street harassment of all levels can have.

– Anonymous

Location: Jordan

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