#notosexualharassment

[kamalbensra]

Stop sexual harassment. Video on YouTube: Kamal Bensra #sexualharass #bully #notosexualharassment #notosexualviolence #notosexualabuse #notosexual #notosexualassault https://www.instagram.com/p/CLyRxLXlDxU/?igshid=9su05810bzmg

[poetryversepost]

#PoetryVerse #NepaliPoem #छोइएको_थियो #StandAgainstRapeAndSexualViolence #NoToSexualHarassment #BeTheVoice #BeTheChange #TogetherWeCan #🙏 #🇳🇵 https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7-MfgDRpJ/?igshid=1ryj6x0pyco55

[wynstel]

Never ever stay silent. #metoo #dontacceptsexualadvances #speakup #notosexualharassment #reportabuse

[mywaytobe]

This is an article on Glamour by a blogger that went to a Naked Resort in Jamaica called "Hedonism", about her experience there on sexual harassment and the respect people should have of your body. Respect should be given, regardless if the person is naked or completely covered. Sexual harassment nowadays goes by with a simple "I was joking" and as a woman we are expected not to make a big deal out of it. I make a big deal out of it because I am not just a funny sexual joke or a piece of meat, I am a person, and I and everybody should be treated and respected as such. #notosexualharassment #respect #standupforyourself #itisnotok

[acilegnamai]

No place is ever safe in this world, especially while in transit. Criminals will always take advantage of the time that people are out of the comforts of their home. And women, because of the common notion that we’re ‘weak’, will always be the most viable victims.

I’ve seen crime happen right before my eyes. I’ve seen someone had her phone stolen while riding a jeepney and a guy just snatched it easily from her hands on the outside. I’ve sat beside a snatcher who stole an old woman’s bag and threatened to stab her if she would continue to fight back. I myself have experienced it once and my phone got stolen. Until last Saturday, I had the scariest feeling ever. The one that got my body all frozen and trembling in fear. I just survived a sexual harassment by a co-passenger in a UV Express.

I rode a UV Express bound to Marikina when a man came rushing inside. I was wearing nothing revealing, just a normal loose shirt and shorts. I thought he’s just in a hurry to get somewhere. He’s dressed decenly. He looks young and seems nice. The only thing I noticed that’s not good was his smell. He smelled like smoke coming from an insect repellent coil. Other than that I think he’s okay. Or so I thought. When the SUV started its journey, he began making peculiar moves. He kept changing positions as if trying to sleep. His hands were in unfixed positions. He kept moving and moving until I got intimidated and told myself, “This is not normal.”. So I kept my guard up even though I was very sleepy. I watched his every move. Then he started taking action again and this time, I got the feeling that he’s trying to touch my chest so I tried my might to prevent him from being successful. 

I thought so many things that I wanted to do. I wanted to yell at him and tell him to stop. But my voice won’t come out. It’s like I’m being choked on the inside. I wanted to alight the vehicle. I just wanted to escape from him. But I was so damn afraid I did nothing but keep him away from touching me. I covered my body with my bag and the box I was holding. He kept looking and smiling at me as if he’s doing the right thing. He looked like a demon in my eyes. I was terrified. I just prayed a lot. It’s the longest ride of my life. I wanted to get out badly. Until the moment came that I was in my destination already. I sighed a relief. But then he smiled at me and even told me to take care of myself. Well fuck him.

There are so many things that I regret that night. But the thing that I regret the most is not being able to fight back. I proved them right. I was weak. But that’s not a reason to disrespect women. Definitely not a reason to think it was right. I really cried when I got home feeling real bad for myself. For not being able to defend myself when I should be the most. I feel so sorry for it. And so now, I vow to never let my guard down everytime I’m out of the house. I vow to punch someone or kick him in his balls real hard if ever that happens to me again because he deserves it. 

To every girl out there, I hope this does not happen to you. But if it does, I know it will be very scary, but please fight back. Bring a pepper spray or stun gun if you must. Fight with all you’ve got. Try to bring out all the courage inside you. Don’t let the fear win over you. No one’s ever gonna defend us when we’re alone but us. Step up like a man because you’ll need it. Threaten them with any pointed object that you have in your bag.

Being sexually harassed is worse than having your phone stolen. They may not be stealing any material thing from you. But they are stealing the respect that a woman deserves from a man, and that’s not fucking okay. 

Photo credits