Response to government's commitment to recognise street harassment as a form of gender-based violence

In response to the government recognising street harassment as a form of gender-based violence in its refreshed Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls, released today, Lucy Russell, Head of Girls’ Rights and Youth at Plan International UK said:
 
“The government has today sent a clear message that street harassment will no longer be tolerated, and that girls and young women have a right to move freely in the streets and in public without fear of being abused.
 
“It follows on from our #ISayItsNotOK campaign which we launched after girls and young women told us that they’re regularly harassed in public places, with 66 per cent saying they’d been sexually harassed and 38 per cent saying they are catcalled and verbally harassed at least once a month.
 
“Young people say the best way of tackling street harassment is to provide both boys and girls with good quality education, something the government has also committed to. But to make this strategy a success, we must see young people consulted on what education they need.

"We look forward to working with the government to ensure the policy is delivered effectively and robustly.”