In 2005, seven young people came together for a conversation that ultimately inspired a global movement. During their meeting, the women in the group shared their experiences with street harassment, opening the eyes of their male counterparts to their daily realities. This vulnerable exchange planted the seeds for action.
The tipping point came when Thao Nguyen, a young woman frustrated by the lack of accountability for street harassment, reported her experience to the police only to be ignored. Refusing to let her story go unheard, Nguyen uploaded a photo of her harasser to Flickr. The post quickly went viral, gaining attention from major publications like the New York Daily News.
Her act of defiance encouraged the group of seven to launch a blog where anyone could document and share their experiences with harassment. This platform marked the birth of Right To Be (formerly known as Hollaback!), an organization that has since grown to provide comprehensive resources aimed at ending harassment in all its forms.
In 2024, the fight against street harassment remains as vital as ever. A staggering 84% of Canadian women report experiencing street harassment, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. Street harassment is not a new issue, but its impacts are now better understood and documented. A study conducted by the Angus Reid Institute found that most women experience street harassment and the fear of such encounters shapes their daily routines, including where they walk, how they dress, and whether to go out at night.
For many, the psychological toll of harassment—such as anxiety, anger, and even PTSD—can be lasting. Furthermore, street harassment doesn’t just harm those who experience it directly; it creates an environment of fear and inequality. When individuals feel unsafe in public spaces, their freedom of movement is restricted, limiting their ability to participate fully in society.
To address this, Right To Be has partnered with L’Oréal Paris to host a digital event as part of the Stand Up Against Street Harassment initiative. The training session, scheduled for November 26th, will provide participants with actionable tools to combat harassment safely and effectively, empowering individuals to make their communities safer.
The training will help participants understand harassment in all its forms- from microaggressions like catcalling to more overt acts of aggression and violence. Right To Be Utilizes their “5Ds of Bystander intervention” which are distract, delegation, document, delay and direct. The training emphasizes that bystanders can play a pivotal role in stopping harassment without putting themselves at risk. It also helps participants practice these techniques, ensuring they leave with the confidence to act when faced with real-life situations.
Organizations like Right To Be and initiatives like Stand Up Against Street Harassment aim to reclaim public spaces, fostering an environment where everyone can feel secure and respected. By empowering individuals with tools to combat harassment, these efforts contribute to a cultural shift that prioritizes safety and equality.
This year’s Stand Up Against Street Harassment training event is a unique opportunity for Canadians to join the fight against harassment. The free digital sessions are open to everyone, regardless of their previous knowledge or experience. Participants will learn how to recognize harassment, intervene effectively using the 5Ds, and support those targeted—all while prioritizing their own safety.
Those who would like to register can sign up here.
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 • See the Zoom link here: November 26 @ 11 a.m. (EN)
Time: 11:00 a.m. EST (EN)
And
Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 • See the Zoom link here: November 27 @ 2:30 p.m. (FR)
Time: 2:30 p.m. EST (FR)
