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At Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, we stand firmly against the pervasive issue of street harassment, which continues to undermine the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls in the Philippines. Despite legal protections like the Safe Spaces Act, cultural attitudes and normalized behaviors perpetuate an environment where harassment is dismissed as trivial or even flattering. As we march in the streets for women’s equality—streets that, for many women, symbolize fear and harassment—we reaffirm our commitment to saying NO to discrimination and unsafe spaces for women and girls. The Prevalence of Street Harassment The statistics on street harassment in the Philippines reveal a troubling reality: 88% of women aged 18-24 reported experiencing sexual harassment at least once in their lives, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. This figure highlights the alarming scale of the issue, especially in urban areas【1】【5】. A separate study found that three out of five women in Quezon City have experienced harassment such as catcalling, stalking, and groping. Among young women, the prevalence rises to a staggering 88%【1】【5】. Since the Safe Spaces Act was enacted, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has documented over 12,492 incidents of violence and harassment against women in less than three years—a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle for safe public spaces【1】. Why Zonta Says NO Street harassment is not a compliment or a joke—it is a form of violence that perpetuates fear, limits women’s freedom, and undermines their rights. By trivializing such acts, society places the burden on women to endure, dismiss, or avoid harassment, rather than addressing the behaviors of perpetrators. At Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, we march because: We refuse to normalize harassment. Catcalling, stalking, and groping are not trivial actions; they are violations of personal boundaries and safety. We demand safe spaces for women and girls. Public spaces should be places of opportunity, not fear. We advocate for accountability. Laws like the Safe Spaces Act are critical, but societal change is equally important to ensure enforcement and challenge harmful cultural norms. The Streets Are for Everyone As we marched in solidarity for women’s equality, we walked the same streets where many women face daily harassment. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of why our advocacy is so crucial. Women deserve to feel safe in every space they occupy—whether walking to work, commuting, or simply living their lives. Building a Future Without Fear To create truly safe spaces for women and girls, we must: Raise Awareness: Start conversations about the harmful impact of harassment and challenge its normalization. Empower Women: Support victims of harassment, encouraging them to speak out and seek justice. Engage Communities: Promote respect and accountability through education and dialogue. Through Zonta’s Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, we are amplifying the voices of women and girls and advocating for a future free from fear and harassment. Together, we can foster a society where public spaces are safe, equitable, and inclusive for everyone. Join Us in Saying NO The fight for safe spaces and gender equality requires collective action. Let’s work together to ensure that women and girls can walk the streets with confidence, knowing their rights are protected and respected. 📸 View photos of Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II marching for equality in the streets we aim to reclaim as safe spaces for all women and girls. Citations: [1] https://philarchive.org/archive/PAGDOC [2] https://stopstreetharassment.org/resources/statistics/statistics-academic-studies/ [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/z251ll/body_shaming/ [4] https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2024/12/02/2404462/could-recent-controversies-finally-spark-metoo-movement-philippines [5] https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/stories/2016/06/using-technology-to-address-sexual-harassment-of-women-in-public-places [6] https://serp-p.pids.gov.ph/publication/public/view?slug=manila-philippines [7] https://eprajournals.com/IJMR/article/11654/download
