Sexual harassment is on the spectrum of sexual violence which includes rape, and when it becomes a norm, the cycle of gender-based violence is allowed to continue. Women often experience sexual harassment on a daily basis, and from a young age. During 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, Equality Bahamas invites The Bahamas to focus on sexual harassment as an element of rape culture, reject the idea that it is Bahamian culture, and co-create systems and actions to end it. On Wednesday, December 5th, we’re coming together to discuss:
What is sexual harassment?
Where does sexual harassment take place most often?
How can we respond to street harassment, as people experiencing it and as bystanders?
What legal protections are available to women who have experienced harassment or assault?
What do we need from our institutions to combat sexual harassment?
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Women’s Wednesdays was founded by Equality Bahamas as a response to community members’ requests for a space to access resources, experts, and practitioners, share knowledge, and engage in conversation with one another. Officially started in May 2017, Women’s Wednesdays highlights Bahamian women and our experiences in The Bahamas, specific to our identities including gender, race, sexuality, age, and ability. Held once per month at minimum, the events draw women together to have conversations that bring our individual lives into focus while connecting to family, community, and national narratives.
#WW242 intentionally centers and prioritizes women and girls, and is open to the public through in-person events, livestreams, and social media activity. With the support of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, we create a safe space for knowledge-building, idea-sharing, critical dialogue, and movement-building.
Inspired by Equality Bahamas’ Women’s Wednesdays, there is now a similar initiative in Guyana, and other countries in the Caribbean are expected to follow.