I REFER to Melody Song’s letter, “Getting wolf whistles at the post office ”, “ A society that demeans women” and “Wolf whistlers are only bullies” published in The Star on March 11, 14 and 16 respectively.

We have often read articles in the press about women complaining about being sexually harassed – by having suggestive and lewd remarks, comments, jokes and gestures directed at them and also by being molested.

It is encouraging for the women out there that they should not just be in denial, intimidated or feel ashamed if they experience sexual harassment in any form, but be brave and vocal about it.

Sexual harassment violates the dignity of women and certainly is a form of violence. Perpetrators should be put to shame and punished and the war against sexual harassment should be a constant one as it occurs very often.

The victim of sexual harassment should confront the perpetrator outright, there and then, irrespective of whether he is a boss, a colleague, a neighbour, a friend, a relative or a stranger. Show your displeasure, disgust, indignation and contempt as loud and clear as you can, within the earshot of others. Since he doesn’t respect you, why should he be respected?

Shame will, hopefully, deter the “wolf” from repeating his atrocious behaviour.

“Wolves” tend to take opportunity in crowded public places, thinking they will not be spotted, such as markets, shopping malls when there are sales, bus stations and the like.

A friend was at a crowded market when a stranger came from behind and embraced her. However, she had the courage to shout at him, in front of the crowd. The guy was embarrassed and scooted away. The next time he happened to spot my friend at the market, he walked miles away from her.

Laws against sexual harassment should be formulated, especially in public places like workplaces, universities and colleges, to name a few, and perpetrators should be punished accordingly, to give the message that women are to be respected as human beings and not regarded as objects of ridicule, fun and enjoyment. Don’t trifle with them!

It is disgusting to see big posters of women wearing skimpy clothes, revealing their cleavages on billboards at strategic locations on the streets. On cinema screens too, pictures of women scantily clothed, are shown to promote various products like liquor, cars, jewellery and the like. Do women have no better skills than to portray themselves as decorative and seductive objects?

Hopefully, the fight against sexual harassment will be supported by the authorities, the commercial sector, the media, the public and women themselves.

TAN LEE HUAN,
Bukit Mertajam.

Source: The Star – March 19, 2008