Women of all ages and walks of life in the Kingdom are subjected to abuse and sexual harassment. There are seldom any campaigns or workshops that teach women how to protect themselves or how to react to harassment. Whether physical or verbal, harassment is a neglected cause in Saudi society and with women unable to protect themselves, harassers have an incentive to continue targeting women, Al-Riyadh daily reported. Most women never talk about their experiences with harassment because they fear the reaction of their family and society. Strict and clear rules and laws must be implemented and promoted to protect women and ensure their social acceptance. Among other things, women must take part in sports to develop athletic bodies so they can protect themselves and also attend self-defense classes and workshops. ‘I was saved by my screams' Asrar Jassim said she does not know what to do when she finds someone chasing her or even approaching her in public. “I am too shy to act aggressively in public and that makes harassers target me the most. There is no place I can go or number I can call. Even the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia), the most concerned committee in this matter, is not easy to reach if you are a woman,” she said. Jassim recalled an incident when a harasser went too far and her only method of defense was to scream until he ran away. “Passersby frowned and chided for being a woman and raising my voice in public,” she said. Throwing stones Hibatullah said her method of self-defense is slightly primitive but very effective. With no self-defense classes available where she lives, Hibatullah throws stones or even her shoes at harassers. She has been criticized by family members and other women for her actions but she insists she has no other way to repel harassers. “Once, I was approached by two guys in a car. I threw a rock at their car, broke their window and they sped off and left me alone. When you're in this situation you just have to do whatever you have to do to protect yourself. I was never taught how to defend myself, this is one way that works,” said Hibatullah. Member of the National Society of Human's Rights' executive board Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen said if harassment is merely verbal, then the best thing any woman can do is to ignore it. If the perpetrator resorts to physical harassment, women should act to defend themselves. “If the woman was touched by a harasser, this is where we can interfere. Women should learn self-defense sports such as karate and female gyms and sport facilities should be available for them to use. The responsibility does not rest on women alone. There should be laws that will hold harassers accountable for their actions. There should also be surveillance cameras in shopping centers and on the streets,” she said. Al-Abideen also accused the Shoura Council of dragging its feet when it comes to endorsing laws against harassment. “We should not be waiting for enough victims to go through harassment before we pass laws against harassment. Moreover, when the law is implemented it should be implemented on all without exemption. We can ask girls to learn self-defense but that is not a solution. There is a great need to have a law governing this matter,” she added. The circle of shame Manal Al-Somali, social specialist at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah, said Saudis face many problems due to the culture of shame that exists in society. “There are certain body parts that we are unable to discuss with females. Molestation exists in all societies and is a result of several social, psychological and economic reasons. Having a legal system encompassing this issue is what is needed. Women face difficulty expressing harassment as many fear the social and familial reactions and some even believe it is their fault that they were molested,” she said. Al-Somali urged schools to raise awareness among students regarding the issue. “Girls need to be educated on how to defend themselves, who to go to for help and on their rights in the matter. In addition, there should be a social media campaign regarding harassment so everyone, from children to adults, has at least some knowledge on the subject and there is a sense of communal security,” she added. — SG
