KOTA KINABALU: Women in Sabah’s Expression (WISE) has called on all men to stand with the women in the fight against sexual harassment.
“Globally, a staggering one in every three women has experienced sexual harrasment in their lifetime.
“As the world is waking up to how deeply pervasive the issue is, it also needs to face the reality that the silence of the bystanders is a form of consent or complicity,” the NGO said in a statement.
“When our society hears the word ‘women’s issue’, we tend to think ‘oh, it’s for women only’.
“It’s worrying how men have been erased or silenced from the conversation of the subject that is centrally about men,” the NGO stressed.
The NGO insists that there is a need to reframe the issue from a “woman’s concern” to a “man’s issue.”
“On another note, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our male counterparts for being great allies to women, especially to stand up and voicing out against sexual harassment,” the NGO added.
It opined that more men to speak up against sexism – to stand up for women’s safety and cause.
“Hence, we plead all fathers, brothers and husbands to help us make a stand against sexual harassment.
This is not women’s problem alone. It could be your daughters, wives or mothers and even yourself.
“Neither does this about being a hero or mere noise on what is trending, this is about sculpturing the society and the next generation into a better civilised human,” it said.
“With respect comes respect. We believe in the society where men are perceived as the protector, this is your opportunity to step up. The women who are considered as the weaker species are stepping up. We are waiting for your supporting hand in aid on this matter,” added the NGO