Witness Project, a local arts-based group, is tackling street harassment in its latest anti-violence campaign, which will use visuals and an online forum to capture attention and encourage conversation on the problem.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at Help and Shelter, Witness Project Programme Director Rosheni Takechandra and US-based Project Manager Alysia Christiani revealed that the campaign, titled ‘It’s Not A Compliment,’ aims to address the issue of street harassment perpetrated against women and is a part of the Witness Project’s overall mission to eradicate the cycle of violence against women and children in society.
Apart from having volunteers handing out flyers to the public and trying to engage them in discussions on the issue, the campaign will also see several businesses assisting the cause by allowing the display on their premises of striking oversized posters that feature women and girls reacting to commonly used catcalls.
The online forum aims to engage and educate members of the public who will have the opportunity to speak on the issue of street harassment, from the point of view of a witness, victim or perpetrator of the act. Expressing her commitment to leading the new endeavour, Takechandra explained that ‘It’s Not A Compliment’ is a much needed space, tool and campaign to make a strong, firm and powerful statement in the Guyanese society. Women will no longer stay silent on matters that concern their safety and freedom of expression in public spaces. The campaign is using marketing strategies and the arts to give women and girls a platform to make their voices heard, she said. “It is giving women and girls a space to work side by side with decent men to bring an end to the vile and worthless act of street harassment,” she added.
‘It’s Not A Compliment’ will unite the Guyanese community to work together to make the streets, market places and all public spaces safe and peaceful for women and girls, men and boys and children. “They will stand up, hold hands and push back against such vile, offensive and obnoxious behaviours,” Takechandra added.
According to a statement issued to the media, “Witness Project has chosen to tackle this issue because though street harassment is seen as a minor and accepted offence (if it’s seen as an offence at all), it is in reality a form of sexual harassment and the gateway to increased violence against women.” The statement went on to say, “We need to educate both men and women as to how street harassment is not just a compliment but how it inhibits a woman’s ability to move about freely and without fear in public spaces.” The campaign will officially be launched at 9 AM today at School of the Nations when youth volunteers will put up the first posters on the school’s walls.
The Witness Project has successfully completed a photography poster project as well as produced a short film among other things as part of its anti-violence campaigning.
