Catcalling can be considered a form of sexual harassment, and is something a lot of women experience on a daily basis.


Atinuke, 19

When I was around 11, I went to buy my little brother’s baby milk. This guy started calling me and I ignored him. He then got up and started chasing me. I ran all the way home and have not passed that road in 8 years.

Doyin, 20

This man was calling me a fine girl and when that did not work, he started calling me ugly. When I still did not answer him, he used his car to hit me. People were helping me dust my clothes and I was just so confused. How did we get to that?

Anu, 23

I was taking a walk around my estate when this man pulls my hair from behind because he wants to get my attention. He then tells me I am a pretty girl, and I do not need braids. I gave him my number just so he could leave.

Odion, 56

I was going to the market, and this police officer kept calling me, shouting “sexy mama” at me. He said I need a young man like him to treat me right. I was so irritated.

Lydia, 19

I went to the pharmacy to get drugs for my brother, but halfway there I noticed this guy in a jeep who called me over and I thought he was looking for directions. Apparently, he had been following me since I stepped out of my gate. I walked away because I was scared, then stayed in the pharmacy for about twenty minutes. When I came out, he was still parked outside. I tried to walk home but he was following me, so I called a bike and asked him to just drive. The guy chased the bike man and I until we lost him. It was like something from fast and furious.

Adaobi, 32

At the market and this man keeps trying to engage in a conversation with me. I told him to leave me alone, and when I started walking away he grabbed my arm and that was when I slapped him. People then came and were asking if that is how I beat my husband at home. Where they were when this man was harassing me I do not know, but I left all of them there.

Amina, 26

At the market, they kept talking about how they have clothes that can fit even my big butt. I turned them down and they started going on about how maybe I do not want to cover my big butt well. One grabbed it and then I started crying. Luckily, one woman that sold jeans allowed me stay in her shop. She bought me a drink as I just sat there and cried.


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