Objectives:

On December 17th 2020, Share-Net Netherlands organised a virtual meeting seeking to unpack the concept of street harassment. This meeting was organised by the Share-Net Community of Practice working on gender-based violence (GBV). Speakers from the Netherlands, Egypt and Belgium discussed the concept of street harassment, the implications of criminalising street harassment and best practices in preventing and ending this form of gender-based violence. Ending harassment requires a complex set of solutions. This policy brief unpacks the concept of street harassment and provides recommendations for Share-Net members and the wider SRHR community on how to effectively respond to and prevent street harassment.

Abstract:

Sexual or gender-based street harassment is a complex issue that is rooted in the assertion and reinforcement of unequal power dynamics. The cases of Egypt and the Netherlands show that comprehensive definitions are necessary for more effective and inclusive legislation. Moreover in all cases, in order for criminalization to become an effective prevention tool, additional measures must be enforced to remove the barriers to reporting and guarantee the privacy and safety of those who report harassment. The experiences and concerns of organizations in the three countries highlight the importance of education and awareness for prevention of street harassment. Legislation needs to be complemented with changes in societal perceptions. Comprehensive sexuality education can help reduce misperceptions about harassment and build a culture of consent and respect for boundaries. Education can also help in cultivating healthy relationships with sex and more open conversations which can help reduce the barriers to reporting that are often rooted in shame, taboo or stigma. Additionally, policy makers must be aware of the increasing importance of educating bystanders. Bystander intervention is a constructive approach that not only raises awareness but provides tools for action which, in the long run, can help minimiz the conditions that motivate offenders to carry out harassment crimes. Finally, there is a lot of potential in involving communities in decision-making and planning for more effective prevention measures. The growing use of social media for online activism and advocacy surrounding gender-based violence shows that people, especially youth, are ready and willing to participate in social change. Efforts are needed to support, amplify and accommodate this kind of participation into policymaking.