The National Committee for Traffic Safety has requested that authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City take measures to combat sexual harassment against women and girls on public transportation such as buses, and in other public places.

>> Sexual bribery: how many intercourses are enough? The request was made following the announcement of the results of a survey recently conducted by ActionAid Vietnam and the Research Center for Gender, Family and Environment in Development focusing on sexual harassment in public places in the two above cities. According to the results, 57 percent of women aged 16 and above who took part in the survey consider streets locations where sexual harassment against women is most likely to happen, the committee said. As many as 87 percent of women and girls involved in the survey say they have experienced sexual harassment through actions such acts as whistling, teasing, comments on their appearance, and staring at or touching sensitive parts of their bodies. About 31 percent of school girls involved in the survey in the two localities confirm that they have suffered from sexual harassment on buses, according to the survey’s results, which were announced on November 28. Only 13 percent of school girls in the survey say that feel safe when they are in public places. Meanwhile, 67 percent of women and girls say that they did not take action to respond to sexual harassment against them.  The survey, which included 2,046 people, also pointed out that bus stations, parks and lounges for buses are places where woman are exposed to high risks of sexual harassment. The survey reflected a reality that women are at risk of physical abuse, sexual assault and psychological, emotional or health damage when they use public transportation.   What to do In order to eliminate such risks against women and enhance the friendliness and safety of public transport, the committee asked the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to direct relevant agencies to carry out the following solutions: Firstly, concerned agencies are required to conduct surveys to identify locations, public transport routes and road sections where sexual harassment often occurs. Secondly, relevant authorities must improve lighting in areas where women are vulnerable to sexual assault, broadly announce telephone numbers for police in case of emergency, and give instructions and advice on how to avoid and what to do when encountering sexual harassment. Thirdly, women should be provided training in necessary skills to protect themselves in public places, and authorities should encourage them to report sexual harassment and other physical abuses or violations. Finally, yet most importantly, competent agencies must tighten control of areas prone to sexual abuse to detect, prevent and punish those who commit acts of sexual violation against women and girls.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!