Embarrassment and fear: causes why Mexican women do not report street harassment, according to UN-Women

[Inkriql]

The aggressions in the public space are something that women suffer on a daily basis, however, this type of violence is not something that is reported as often as it happens because of shame or fear, coupled with the fact that they come to consider it “ something unimportant, ”according to the UN-Women’s Cities and Public Safe Cities program report for women and girls.

According to data from a United Nations Organization, streets and public transport are unsafe spaces for seven out of 10 women, since at least three have experienced a violent incident, however, only one in 10 dares to report it .

The main reasons why they decide not to denounce the violence are to consider that it is something of no importance (49.5%); for not knowing how or where to carry out the process (15.2%); out of shame (8.9%); also for fear of consequences or for receiving threats (7.3%); and for thinking that they would not believe or blame it on her (4.7%).

In Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla and Torreón, the international organization launched the Safe Cities program and from it they have realized that more than 60% of women are afraid when using public transport , which also impacts negatively on the way they occupy space.

Therefore, they are obliged to take measures such as being accompanied by someone, not getting into taxis at night, asking someone trustworthy to approach or pick them up on public transport or even choose to change their lifestyle and restrict your schedules or even not do your activities.

From the focus groups that were made for the report, some women said that “it greatly influences how you dress (...). It takes time to see what I'm going to wear so as not to attract attention. It does define a lot how you move, how you dress to avoid different situations. ”

A relevant point regarding the different forms of sexual harassment that occur in the streets, according to the UN, is that they can go from unwanted comments or touching to rapes or even femicides.

“Violence against women and girls that occurs in public spaces, especially harassment, continues to be tolerated and socially normalized due to discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, inequality and gender stereotypes that prevent recognition, prevention and adequate response” , says UN-Women.
Street harassment, according to the United Nations Organization, can result in rape or femicide. (Photo: Cuartoscuro)
Street harassment, according to the United Nations Organization, can result in rape or femicide. (Photo: Cuartoscuro)

This also makes a difference regarding how men use public space, as women feel more insecure than they do on the streets, which has an effect on their options: “It limits their access to work and education opportunities, their participation full in public life, access to essential services, to enjoy cultural activities and has a negative impact on your health and well-being ”.

In this sense, Mexico is one of the countries that treat women the worst in areas such as security, gender violence, economic inequality and access to health, according to international reports and study centers consulted by El Universal.

Regarding issues such as economic, social and political inclusion, justice and security, the Womentown, Peace and Security Index 2019/2020 of the Georgetown Institute places Mexico at position 103 of 167, even below Venezuela and Nicaragua.

UN-Women also provided information regarding equality in work for both men and women, however, there is a strong lag in terms of gender equality, equitable remuneration for work, sexual and reproductive rights, female participation in politics, as well as the lack of quality health services.