Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Cande, I'm 23 years old and from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am an activist for women’s rights and the LGBTIQ+ community. Since 2015 with the mobilization of “ni una menos” and the recent passage of the law on legal abortion I have never stopped fighting for these causes. In my spare time I work at a publishing house and I love reading books
I'm a law student in the UBA. From the year 2015 I started to fight for the feminist movement. The mobilization of the "ni una menos" changed my life and made me understand many injustices. Then came the fight for legal abortion. I currently sing and write and consider myself a political activist. Did you start your account? My friend Nati discovered CatCalls on january 2019, and started the Buenos Aires account immediately. When she told me about the organization I was really excited about it, so I decided to join her in this movement.
Why were you inspired to start an account?
I can't remember a moment of my life when I felt comfortable in public areas, I've experienced street harassment since I was really young. I remember being just a little girl, probably not much more than 11 years old, when I was returning home from school in my uniform when I heard my first catcall from a much older man. For me, the streets have always been a place of insecurity, a place to go through quickly trying not to be noticed, never a place to be myself.
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness?
It is a quick and effective response, it can be sustained over time but without being a nuisance. It is bringing into the presence, making substantial, something that was done to hurt and leave no evidence. In my experience, chalking in places as parks gives us the possibility of interacting with many people, even initiating debates with strangers. Many of them have felt confident enough to tell us about bad situations they have had to live.
Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
It is the possibility that we can all effectively habit thet place that belongs to all of us. Instead running away from public places.
What's your favorite thing about your city?
Buenos Aires is very diverse, there is always a new place to discover. There are many bars and parks with very different styles, whenever you feel that you do not belong in a place, you can look for a new one to find yourself.
How can your city better address street harassment?
Raising awareness and making each individual understand that the other has the same right as oneself.
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
I hope this account thrives in our city, helping raise awareness on street harassment. Maybe someday we'll be able to collaborate with bigger organizations.
What's the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
I don't know if it's the worst, but it is the one that I repulse more. I wouldn't have much more than 15 years, I had just got off the train and i was returning to my home, when a man of about 45 years stood in front of me, approached my face and said, while looking me in the eyes "I would bathe you in cum"
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you?
Being a part of this campaign means making a difference. For me it means being a part of the fight against the patriarchy, in order to feel safer outside of my house.
