Sexual harassment is on the rise, what are the proposed solutions?
Sexual harassment is on the rise, what are the proposed solutions?
Um Yanal – Busra
Cases of harassment are increasing, and the Syrian law overlooks them, while society blames women.
Many girls narrate stories of being harassed, whether at work, in school, during transportation, or even on social media. What’s worse is that the workplace can be the most welcoming environment for harassers, especially if the harasser is a manager or employer.
Extended shame
Contrary to the norm, all cases demand that authorities and experts call for rights and advocate for them, except in cases involving women. The stigma of shame will be attached to the victim after the exposure of the harasser’s actions. She will bear it, and her family and community will bear the cost. In addition to losing her job or university, this becomes a hindrance in her life journey, whether professionally, educationally, or even socially. If someone involved loses money, there would be an uproar, and they would spare no effort in reclaiming their rights and prosecuting the thief. However, when a girl’s innocence is stolen, or another loses the taste of comfort and the feeling of safety in her place of study, work, or on the road, it means nothing to anyone. This is a matter that is her responsibility alone.
Negative societal role
Despite harassment being an entirely unacceptable and rejected act, its spread, especially in recent times, raises questions about its reasons. The silence of women about harassers, their fear of society, and lack of training in being bold in defending themselves and knowing their rights have been a major factor in the escalation of this phenomenon. It is evident that the general silence of society, particularly parents, when reporting harassment cases, along with blaming harassed women, constitutes a negative factor in the harasser’s continued vile behavior. The societal role is not only negative in not supporting harassed women but also extends to blaming women for their attire and appearance, which caused the harassment.
Proposed solutions
Despite the lack of statistics on the numbers of harassment victims, whether in the workplace, educational institutions, or transportation, it is clear that there are many. Here, we question the role of activities carried out by associations and organizations concerned with women’s issues.
It is necessary to emphasize the role of organizations and awareness campaigns in targeting women to educate them in this field. Especially since school and university textbooks neglect any aspect of legal awareness despite the importance of working to spread community awareness of harassment issues and the importance of advocating for rights.
Increasing awareness in society and among parents is essential to safeguard women’s rights against harassers. A large number of women experience harassment, whether verbal or physical, but they are all unable to speak or punish the harasser, fearing society’s judgment and the stigma that will be attached to the victim instead of the harasser.
The solutions remain in the hands of women and girls who have experienced harassment, confronting the harasser and holding them accountable. Parents also play a role in supporting their daughters and raising awareness of their rights.
