What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment can be defined as unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks. It can happen physically, verbally or digitally. It can appear in everyday spaces or in private spaces. It can be committed by a person of any gender, sexuality, or position of power.
Know the Safe Spaces Act of 2019
The Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law defines the acts considered as gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and online. It protects individuals regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression by providing protective measures and penalties for violations.
What is Considered as Sexual Harassment?
Catcalling or unwanted remarks, commonly done in the form of wolf- whistling (paninipol)
Sexist remarks that show discrimination based on sex, typically against women
Misogynistic remarks that imply the feeling of hating women or the belief that men are inherently better than women
Transphobic remarks that are indicative of fear, hatred towards persons whose gender identity and/or expression do not conform with their sex assigned at birth.
Persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance
Relentless requests for personal details
Public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping, making offensive body gestures at someone, and other similar lewd sexual actions
Any advances, whether verbal or physical, that threatens one’s personal space and physical safety.
Stalking or conduct directed at a person that causes a person to fear for one’s own safety or the safety of others, or to suffer emotional distress.
Sexual Harassment is an Overlooked Form of Violence Against Women.
VAW is deemed to be closely linked with the unequal power relation between women and men, otherwise known as “gender-based violence.” It still happens because of existing harmful social norms and gender inequality.