Intersectional feminist campaign group “Our Bodies Our Streets” has launched a Street Harassment Experience Map to raise awareness and bring evidence to local government for safety in Sheffield.
They’re working for safer and more equal spaces for women and marginalised genders, free from public sexual harassment and catcalling.
In an Instagram post, the group said they hope the map will be a form of validation and empowerment for victims, as well as making the issue tangible for non-victims.
The group said: “Working alongside our supporters, local communities, and the council, we also hope to design a creative intervention for one of Sheffield’s parks that encourages people to use it, and sets a precedent for implementing gender-inclusive and community consulted projects in public spaces.”
One experience from the map near Weston Park Museum said: “(He) followed me and asked me to get in his car.”
Another on West Street said: “A man ‘complimented’ me and asked if I’d go home with him. When I refused he started insulting me and telling me all the things he was going to do to me. He grabbed me and started walking me off the street. Some strangers saw what was happening and helped me get away – I don’t know what I would’ve done if it weren’t for them.”
Previously the group started a petition to Sheffield City Council to light up five parks near the University of Sheffield, which now has nearly five thousand signatures.
In collaboration with this, they also created the campaign Safer Parks After Dark to promote the creation of more equal and safe public spaces for women and marginalised genders.
After the government announcement of the Safer Streets Fund, the group created a list of demands “to ensure that funding is transparent and safety measures implemented are gender-inclusive and community-led.”
Our Bodies Our Streets can be found on Instagram and Facebook @ourbodiesourstreets and Twitter @obossheffield.
Photo by Alison Romaine for Our Bodies Our Streets.