On May 3, 2012, there will be an election for Mayor of London. This is the fourth election since the office of Mayor of London was created in 2000. Ken Livingstone is the candidate for the Labour party and he is seeking a third, non-consecutive term.

Last week he released a series of plans he hopes to implement if he’s elected that he thinks will make London safer. I’m excited to see that addressing street harassment is part of his plan!

“Ken will lead a campaign against sexual harassment in London’s public places to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

This is not the first time he’s mentioned street harassment. In September 2010, the UK Anti-Street Harassment Campaign sent a letter to him about street harassment and he has agreed to add street harassment to his campaign agenda. He wrote,

“I am concerned about street harassment of women and believe there is far more we need to do to tackle this problem.

I believe we should consider tougher deterrents and punishments to tackle this crime. We also need to provide far greater support for the victims of street harassment and other crimes.

This is an issue that needs to be taken more seriously, not just by the police but our schools, parents and the wider community.

It is essential that we send a clear message that street harassment of women is wrong and will not be tolerated.”

It’s pretty exciting to see a viable candidate for mayor of a major international city like London acknowledge that street harassment is a problem and one that warrants attention! Thanks, Ken, and best of luck on May 3.