Street harassment can take many forms, from sexually explicit comments and leering to even assault. An estimated 80 percent of women worldwide will face gender-based street harassment.
The University of Toledo is taking a stand against street harassment by participating in the first International Anti-Street Harassment Week, taking place March 18-24. The week is designed to raise awareness and call for an end to public harassment of women.
A forum titled “Hey Baby, Smile: Stop Street Harassment” will take place as part of the week Thursday, March 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Student Union Room 3020.
“Despite the significant impact it has on women’s lives, street harassment is often normalized and minimized by those who perpetrate it and by society as a whole,” said Diane Docis, coordinator of the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program. “This event says that we take this issue seriously and that there’s something we can do about it.”
The free, public event will provide information on street harassment and address bystander options and global activism working to end it. The discussion portion will allow survivors of harassment to share their experiences.
Refreshments will be provided. Attendance vouchers will be provided for students attending for class credit.
The forum is sponsored by UTURN: UT United for Respect and Nonviolence, Association for the Advancement of African-American Women, UT Feminist Alliance, and the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program.
For more information, contact saepp@utoledo.edu.
