In a progressive move aimed at fostering gender equality and curbing street harassment, the Supreme Court of India has launched a comprehensive handbook that seeks to redefine terminology around public sexual harassment, doing away with the term “eve teasing.” The new handbook provides guidance on recognizing, addressing, and preventing gender-based street harassment, empowering individuals to create safer public spaces for everyone.
The initiative reflects the judiciary’s commitment to promoting gender justice and challenging societal norms that tolerate and normalize street sexual harassment. The term “eve teasing,” which has been widely used to trivialize and downplay incidents of public harassment, is now being replaced with more accurate and descriptive language that reflects the seriousness of such actions.
The handbook, titled “A Handbook on Addressing Street Sexual Harassment,” provides insights, case studies, and actionable steps for individuals, communities, and law enforcement agencies to combat street harassment effectively. It aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and empower victims and bystanders to take action against harassment.
By shifting the focus from colloquial terms that often trivialize the issue, the Supreme Court’s initiative seeks to foster a cultural shift in how society views and addresses street harassment. This endeavor aligns with ongoing efforts to create safe and inclusive public spaces for individuals of all genders.
Legal experts and activists have praised the initiative for its potential to bring about greater awareness and accountability regarding street harassment. The handbook’s launch comes at a time when discussions around gender-based violence and harassment are gaining prominence both nationally and internationally.
The move is part of a broader effort to transform societal attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate gender inequality and violence. It acknowledges the impact of language on shaping perceptions and actions, and how more accurate terminology can contribute to the overall empowerment of women and marginalized groups.
Prominent women’s rights organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups have expressed enthusiasm about the handbook’s potential impact, while also stressing the need for continuous awareness campaigns, education, and policy changes to ensure long-term change.
As the handbook makes its way into the public domain, its implementation and adoption in various communities and institutions will be closely observed. With an increased emphasis on gender sensitivity and respect for women’s rights, the initiative is poised to contribute significantly to India’s ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
