Catcalling – sexually suggestive calling or commentary directed at someone publicly – is a problem many women around the world face. Many complain that the problem is especially acute during the spring and summer months. As temperatures rise in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, some authorities are trying to figure out what to do about the issue.
Tanzania’s answer? Prosecute.
According to local news, Tanzanian authorities are on the lookout for men who make sexually suggestive sounds at women.
Ali Hassan Nassir, Unguja Urban West Regional Police Commander, speaks on arresting catcallers
Ali Hassan Nassir, Unguja Urban West Regional Police Commander, says that “the police will arrest men who make howling sounds at women with big derrieres”.
The act is shameful and women should not be unconformable walking on the streets because of their appearance, Nassir explained.
A recent report by a Tanzanian news agency, Citizen, notes that cases of gender-based violence have declined significantly. Betinisibo Shija, head of the Mwanza Region Gender Desk says that the decline is “driven in part by efforts by the government to arrest perpetrators and provide support to victims of gender-based violence in the region.”
The world should take note. Government legislation in this area could be helpful for all.
