We claim to be progressive, boast about being modern and open minded, but still when we discuss the situation of women in the world, the only answer we get is “we have come quite far”.
But does that even matter, when everytime we send our girls out, we’re constantly worried about their safety.
With young girls facing harassment on a day to day basis, we’re compelled to restrict the movement of our daughters. But is that fair? Not really.
Rather than limiting their freedom, how about we teach our sons to be more responsible, to use their independence more correctly.
On the other hand, here are some ways you can equip your daughter to fight against sexual harassments and eve-teasing.
1. Awareness is important
In order to react one must know that they’re being wronged. Teaching your daughters about sexual harassment, eve-teasing, making them aware of consent is a crucial step. Rather than stopping them from going out and living their life, help them understand why and teach them effective ways to tackle such scenarios. By limiting their access to the world in an attempt to protect them, you’re only demoralizing them and making them feel as if they’re the cause of the problem.
2. Being alert is key
Experiencing assault and harassment is a common occurrence, especially when it comes to young girls and women. That said, being alert and aware of one’s surroundings is imperative. Teach your child to be vigilant and instinctive of trouble.
3. Do not ask her to cower in difficult situation
Most often, we tend to encourage our girls to overlook instances of harassment so as to avoid heated incidence. That’s not right. When it comes to eve-teasing, it is all about power display. The assaulter or the eve-teaser believes he will get away with his actions, which is why if one lets it slip by, they will continue doing so to others. Only by confronting their act will your daughter be able to disarm them of their power and before they carry out something of the same nature, they’ll surely think twice the next time. However, it is important to note that raising alarms at vulnerable places can be dangerous. Help your daughter understand why.
4. Have your daughter’s back at all time
Never keep your child on hold. Make sure you’re always available for them and that you communicate regularly. If your child seems low or doesn’t feel like herself, address it and ask them all about it. If it is something that needs action, make sure you do it immediately. Ignoring it to be an insignificant incident can be problematic.
5. Never blame her – No matter what!
Often rather than accusing the culprit, we blame the victim for what happened to her. Our society has a way of associating clothes, gestures and appearance to values and culture, which is absolutely troublesome. Irrespective of what your daughter wears, how she talks or carries herself, if she is a victim of sexual harassment, she must not be blamed or judged. Make sure that you do not contribute to her already low-confidence. Rather help her take action against it. A parent is the only real support for the child. Do not deprive them of that.
6. Educate your child early
Instead of waiting for children to grow up and mature, help them understand what sexual abuse is. Make sure your child understands body boundaries. Tell them that other than their mum and dad, no one is allowed to see them naked. Let them know why it is wrong for a stranger to touch them without their consent. Private parts are called private for a reason and make sure they understand that.
7. Decide on a code word
While young kids may not be efficient at expressing their abuse or discomfort, make sure you have a code for them that they can use when they feel unsafe or insecure.
8. It is okay to say ‘NO’
Give your child the liberty to say ‘No’. Irrespective of who one is – be it a close relative or a friend – tell your child it is okay to back away if they feel uncomfortable in any situation. This is how you introduce them to the idea of consent, which is integral to the fight against harassment.
