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Where do You Draw the Line between Joking and Catcalling

 The modern society has already created a different image for women. It is already established that women nowadays are equal to men in terms of work, social status, political power, among other things. Amidst their show of power and strength, women remain to be a frequent subject of sexual abuse. But as the culture changes and the standards of treating or interacting with people changes, where do we draw the line between a simple joke or compliment to women, and a minor sexual assault?

 Laws are passed to protect women from suffering sexual assault from men in different situation. Republic Act 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, declares sexual harassment unlawful in the employment, education or training environment, and for other purposes. Though this law focuses on harassment committed or being taken advantaged on training sites, it shows how sexual assault can be committed whenever, wherever.

 One of the most rampant cases of sexual harassment nowadays is catcalling. According to www.oxforddictionaries.com, Catcalling can either be “a loud whistle or a comment of a sexual nature made by a man to a passing woman.” A simple hey sexy, hi babes, nice legs, or other thing that may have a sexual connotation rather than a mere compliment can be classified as catcalling. Rather than make a woman feel beautiful or appreciated, catcalling can do the opposite. This can make a person feel insecure, frightened, or harassed.

 Catcalling in any sense can never be a compliment. Whatever the intent is, a guy taking notice of a woman’s body in a sexual manner is a turn off.

 The Gabriela is always there when women’s are abuse. They always protect the women’s right.  As a Gabriela, Women have the right to a society where all forms of discrimination and violence against women have been banished; Women have the right equal to men to the land they work on; as well as the right to full and gainful employment and living wages; etc.

 As of June 5, Gabriela clarified its stance on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's catcalling of a female reporter, after a party-list official earlier said that the act was not a form of sexual harassment.  They state that: “In the interest of clarity, GABRIELA and Gabriela Women's Party reiterate our unwavering and firm position on matters pertaining to women's rights and welfare in the light of news that again placed such interest in the limelight”

 Catcalling is improper. It is an uncalled-for act that is demeaning to women. In fact, ordinances in Quezon City and even in Davao City saw the need to address this offensive demeanor and included it as one form of sexual harassment.

 As the highest official of the country, they hope President Rodrigo Duterte will help educate the general public on the respect of women's rights, as reflected in the first of its kind Gender Development Code pushed by women's rights advocates. But Luz Ilagan, who said catcalling is not sexual harassment. Whistling is not a form of sexual harassment Maybe it's just improper behavior under the circumstances”.

 We have to accept that our President is different and he is working under a cultural way of communicating. They are sarcastic. We exaggerate. We make fun but it's really accepted. It's just a manner of speaking but not the thought, it's not the content.