Calling Out the Catcalls

Since I can remember, I was in fifth grade when I first experienced close to being catcalled. My 11 year old self was skipping in our street wearing pink big shorts and a small white graphic shirt that hugged my chubby stomach. I was on my way to a sari-sari store to buy some of those small packed junk foods that cost a peso when a tricycle owned by a water delivery company passed by. I heard one of the guys in it said, "Baby, sama ka," (baby, come with me) urging me with a grin on his face. I furrowed my eyebrows back then as the tricycle drove on, concealing the man, and I thought that maybe the he was just friendly. I remembered feeling confused about the whole incident however as a kid, I felt somewhat happy that a stranger took notice of me. I am currently cringing at this thought.

Fast forward six years later, I was still on the same street but this time, I have a friend with me. We were supposed to do our research in my house but our neighborhood ended up experiencing a blackout, so we decided to go to our friend's dormitory instead. Currently walking in the street wearing shorts and t-shirts, she and I were both waiting for a pedicab to ride on. In the middle of our conversation, we heard shouts coming from behind us but it seemed far. As we paused to look back, we saw two shirtless men grinning and waving their hands at us while yelling comments about me and my friend. They were five houses down from us and as we angrily ignored them, they still continued to hoot at us until my friend and I reached a road curve.

Catcalls, ladies and gentlemen. From kids to adults, several women has experienced this kind of harassment in all forms at least once in their lives. It doesn't matter what clothing a woman wears, they still experience it. However, people should learn that a piece of clothing does not signify an invitation for this kind of harassment. In addition to that, when the woman tries to defend herself, she would be treated as the one at fault for being so uptight and disrespectful. Can you see the irony there?

Despite all the women empowerment programs and policies being implemented, we are still disrespected even in the streets. Every word and whistle coming out from their mouths dent our dignity as a woman but to them, each of it enlarges their masculinity or ego. And sometimes, the other problem is that a lot of people normalize this kind of incident every time. Some people have the audacity to support gender equality or feminism when they themselves tolerate this kind of oppression. We are not dogs to be whistled at. We are not obliged to be flattered when somebody hooted at us. Sexual harassment happens everywhere, even as public as the streets. Catcalling is a form of sexual harassment, not a compliment.