HarassMap

HarassMap is an information and communication technology (ICT)-based participatory action initiative that serves multiple functions:

• it highlights the gravity of the problem by providing an outlet for testimonies from those who have suffered or witnessed sexual harassment;
• it provides data that improve understanding of how sexual harassment is evolving in Egypt, which in turn provides HarassMap with information to create relevant communication campaigns and research programmes; and
• it serves as a tool for community outreach teams to motivate the public to stand up against sexual harassment.

One of the methods of generating data is to crowdsource reports of sexual harassment and display them on a searchable map. Specifically, the map uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to record where incidents of harassment occur across the country, allowing all to see which areas have the most reports on sexual harassment to date. Individuals who experience or witness sexual harassment are encouraged to anonymously submit reports through the web interface or on Facebook or Twitter. The map also documents the scope and seriousness of the problem by publicising actual stories of harassment that have been submitted. To promote compassion for victims and action among the general public, details of specific harassment cases are shared to make the issue more relatable. In turn, those who submit their stories of harassment receive information on how to access free psychological and legal services. Map reports and information are displayed via an open source platform to provide Egyptians with information about sexual harassment and to support those who are harassed in their neighbourhoods.

Crowdsourcing enables large numbers of people to access HarassMap, regardless of geographic and social barriers, taboos, and hidden biases. HarassMap data challenge and debunk many stereotypes, documenting not only cases of women harassed by men but of men harassed by women and men, pre-pubescent children as harassers, and harassment in schools, rural villages, and more. The data also indicate: that sexual harassment doesn't occur solely in "bad areas" or at night; that it can be initiated by anyone, regardless of socio-economic status; and that women's attire is irrelevant.

HarassMap also steers media discourse away from unproductive stereotyping towards a facts-based positive discussion of what measures need to be taken to end sexual harassment.

From 2010 to 2016, HarassMap trained community members who are interested in effecting change and encourages bystanders to speak up against harassment. This involved working with shopkeepers, police, doormen, schools and universities, large and small-scale businesses, and others in creating safe zones and zero-tolerance areas for sexual harassment. Community outreach efforts included: workshops and camps to train volunteers to become leaders in the fight against sexual harassment in their communities; training for community leaders and new volunteers nationwide; and monthly outreach campaigns by community teams.

HarassMap worked with Cairo University to implement a sexual harassment policy in 2014. There is one anti-harassment unit for the entire university that regularly recruits and trains volunteers, with unit representatives available in every faculty. During the 2016 United Nations (UN)-led 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, these volunteers arranged anti-sexual-harassment activities around campus.

In 2015/16, HarassMap worked with Uber to develop a sexual harassment component for driver training. Every Cairo driver on the Uber app was trained to recognise, prevent, and take positive action against sexual harassment. He or she then received a certificate of recognition and posts a sticker in his or her car vowing to "take positive action against sexual harassment". Recently, HarassMap has delivered training for groups of Uber employees.

HarassMap works to mobilise other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to mainstream sexual harassment in their activities and to work on the issue. In fact, organisations in many other countries have asked HarassMap to mentor their own programmes. For example, Love Not Hate works against hate crimes among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities in South Africa, while Sen de Anlat works against sexual harassment and assault in Turkey. Visit this dedicated page on the HarassMap website to learn more about international HarassMap-inspired efforts.

Learn more about/connect with HarassMap:

• HarassMap website
• HarassMap on Twitter
• HarassMap on Facebook

Women, Human Rights

A 2013 UN Women-sponsored study found that 99.3% of women respondents in Egypt had experienced sexual harassment at least once - this includes being subjected to unwanted touching, cat-calling, ogling, and even rape. Until recently, the reaction to sexual harassment has been silence. "Men could harass with impunity because no one talked about it," says Noora Flinkman, head of marketing and communications at HarassMap.

According to the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the challenge of collecting data on sensitive issues like gender-based violence is well-documented across the globe. Stigma and shame prevent many victims from reporting these crimes or discussing them with researchers. These challenges have also prevented many countries - Egypt being a good example - from collecting data that might be useful in responding to the problem. However, new technologies and social media platforms open up possibilities to overcome some of the data-collection barriers.

Men made up approximately 50% of people enrolled in the community outreach programme. According to organisers, some men initially signed on because they wanted to protect women who can't protect themselves. However, once they completed their training, they realised that the problem is not that women are weak; rather, the problem is men's social conditioning and behaviour. This is when men stop talking about protecting their sisters and start discussing how they can work together on the issue.

Volunteering for HarassMap could be an empowering experience for young women as well. Many have become strong public speakers and advocates, working on policy and laying the groundwork for a world where they don't have to live in fear of violence.