Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Skylar, I am an 18 year old high school student currently living in Breda, the Netherlands.
When did you start your account?
I started my account about a week ago, around the 26th of May.
Why were you inspired to start an account?
Lots of my friends and I have all experienced street harassment multiple times, and after following a variety of catcallsof… accounts I decidede enough was enough here and then decided to apply for an account.
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness?
By chalking back, we take back our own power. It’s a way of showing you can’t bring us down through catcalling. By chalking publicly we can make everyone see the gross words that are constantly being thrown around us; even people who don’t experience street harassment will become more aware.
Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
I believe everyone should feel safe outside; safe to do and wear whatever you want to wear withouot getting yelled at/catcalled.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
I think I like the people the most. There is a lot of diversity in this city; lots of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world.
How can your city better address street harassment?
In Breda, street harassment is rarely discussed or addressed publicly; it’s almost seen as a hush-hush thing.
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
I hope my account will be able to make even just somewhat of a difference in Breda. I want to grow as an account, to raise more awareness, and create something of a community.
What’s the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
When I was 12 my cousin and I decided to go to the market one day and hopped on our bikes, as it was only a 10-minute ride. On our way there, we biked past a group of men, all well into their 30’s/40’s, sitting in a front yard smoking. Thry started yelling stuff at us as we biked by, but we ignored them as it unfortunately was not the first time this had happened. After ignoring them and biking a bit faster, we did not think we would see them again, but a couple of minutes later they were following us in their car. They followed us the rest of the way and even parked their car next to where we left our bikes. We rushed into the crowd, and fortunately did not see them again.
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you?
This account means so much to me; but mostly I feel like I can actually make a difference by chalking and spreading the word.
