Fighting harassment one community at a time
Dana Williams
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Features
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Women can already share their experiences of street harassment on hollabackchicago.com, but one group wants to do something actively to end the violence.
Come May 4, many Chicagoans will be expressing their resistance to negative urban encounters in the second annual Day of Action Against Street Harassment, created by the Young Women's Action Team in Rogers Park.
"This is a decentralized way to express creative resistance techniques," said Mariame Kaba, the adult adviser to youth-led YWAT.
Last year there were over 140 personal actions taken by different members of the Chicago area, including passing out flyers, holding workshops, showing awareness films or just simply wearing the color orange.
"We chose orange because it is very loud. If a lot of people wear it, other people will ask questions," said Lillian Matanmi, co-coordinator of the Day of Action. "It's another way to raise awareness and address the issue."
Prior to last year's Day of Action, many of YWAT's efforts were focused in Rogers Park, including their Respect Campaign and working with elected officials to improve lighting and enforce loitering laws.
The group, however, wanted to do something that extended beyond their neighborhood.
"[We asked] how can we get the community to become an active part against street harassment? We wanted to take [the issue] citywide and get more people involved in interrupting [it]," said Kaba.
In a written statement from the Day of Action, YWAT members state that it "originated out of our desire to make sure that everyone hear and internalizes the message that 'the streets belong to ALL OF US.'" (original emphasis.)
The objectives of the day are: to raise public awareness, build support, demand "community accountability" for ridding the streets of harassment, and to document the actions taken against street harassment through a photographic exhibit and zine.
Many organizations and universities will be taking action. Last year, UIC students from the Campus Advocacy Network handed out pamphlets and buttons on campus.
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Come May 4, many Chicagoans will be expressing their resistance to negative urban encounters in the second annual Day of Action Against Street Harassment, created by the Young Women's Action Team in Rogers Park.
"This is a decentralized way to express creative resistance techniques," said Mariame Kaba, the adult adviser to youth-led YWAT.
Last year there were over 140 personal actions taken by different members of the Chicago area, including passing out flyers, holding workshops, showing awareness films or just simply wearing the color orange.
"We chose orange because it is very loud. If a lot of people wear it, other people will ask questions," said Lillian Matanmi, co-coordinator of the Day of Action. "It's another way to raise awareness and address the issue."
Prior to last year's Day of Action, many of YWAT's efforts were focused in Rogers Park, including their Respect Campaign and working with elected officials to improve lighting and enforce loitering laws.
The group, however, wanted to do something that extended beyond their neighborhood.
"[We asked] how can we get the community to become an active part against street harassment? We wanted to take [the issue] citywide and get more people involved in interrupting [it]," said Kaba.
In a written statement from the Day of Action, YWAT members state that it "originated out of our desire to make sure that everyone hear and internalizes the message that 'the streets belong to ALL OF US.'" (original emphasis.)
The objectives of the day are: to raise public awareness, build support, demand "community accountability" for ridding the streets of harassment, and to document the actions taken against street harassment through a photographic exhibit and zine.
Many organizations and universities will be taking action. Last year, UIC students from the Campus Advocacy Network handed out pamphlets and buttons on campus.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Emilya Whitis
posted 4/18/07 @ 5:43 PM CST
This was a great article, being a member of YWAT I just want to remind people to participate in this year's DAY OF ACTION AGAINST STREET HARASSMENT!.. (Continued…)
Renee Braggs
posted 4/20/07 @ 10:28 AM CST
This article is marvelous. With me also being a member of YWAT i just want to remind everyone one that there is no such thing as a small action every action done is considered to be a big one. (Continued…)
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