What is eve-teasing?

Eve-teasing is a form of sexual harassment and street harassment that occurs mainly in South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It involves unwanted and inappropriate verbal, physical, and sexual advances towards women in public spaces, such as streets, parks, and malls.

The term "eve-teasing" was coined in the 1970s in India and is derived from the biblical character Eve, who was believed to be the cause of all temptation and sin. However, it is now considered a misnomer and trivializes the seriousness of the issue.

Eve-teasing can take many forms, including catcalling, wolf-whistling, making lewd comments, stalking, and physical touching. It can happen to women of all ages and backgrounds, and it can cause anxiety, fear, and trauma.

Efforts to combat eve-teasing include legal measures, such as stricter laws and penalties for offenders, public awareness campaigns, and empowering women to speak out against harassment and reclaim public spaces. Organizations and grassroots movements are also working towards creating safer public spaces for women.