The tragic reality that many young girls are often raised from childhood to always remain vigilant, in hopes of protecting them from instances of sexual harassment or worse still, assault. Despite that, the harrowing fact remains that those of the fairer sex continue to remain vulnerable targets to such crimes, which can occur at any place, at any time, and to any woman.
M’sian woman harassed by stalker while visiting Ramadan bazaar
One such incident was shared by local social media user Azza (@bunga_merahhh), who recounted her experience visiting a local Ramadan bazaar in TTDI recently. In a Tweet that was uploaded on March 24th, she claims that she received a message from a stranger who had been keeping track of her whereabouts when she was buying food at the time.
Two screenshots accompanied her Tweet, the first showing how the stranger sent her a private message through Twitter claiming to have spotted her at the bazaar, which was accompanied by a photo of her that was taken without her knowledge.
While that may already be disturbing enough as it is, the individual proceeded to then send her another series of messages, this time describing Azza’s bust in explicit detail.
“Your breasts are so big. They make me drool.”
“You’re also really beautiful.”
Understandably, Azza was left both mortified and infuriated by the harassment and invasion of privacy that she experienced, and was quick to call out the man for his abhorrent behaviour.
“People go to Ramadan bazaars to look at food. This idiot goes to Ramadan bazaars to ogle at people’s breasts.” she said.
Responses have been divided
Since the incident went viral, opinions have been divided over social media. Some netizens, while sympathetic, have taken to reminding her that she should have made an effort to cover up more, if she wanted to avoid unscrupulous attention from men.
“Allahu dear, may you be protected.
Men need to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. (As in Quran)
Same to women, conceal your modesty as instructed (wide enough to cover your bust, clothes that aren’t tight)
There should be efforts from both parties to take care of their faith.”
“Sister, in this case the man is absolutely at fault. But you also need to be aware of the difference between wrapping your modesty, and covering your modesty. The Prophet Muhammad SAW teaches us to wear wider clothing. If there are men who still have lustful thoughts that disturb you, at least you know you have done your part to protect your modesty.”
“As told in Islam, men have to lower their gaze and women have to take care of their modesty. I’m not saying that you’re at fault sister, but this is the reality.”
Others have come to her defence and called out critics for victim blaming, instead of holding the stalker accountable for his actions.
“Not the comment section blaming clothing. This is the fasting month, you should be blaming your eyes, perverts. May your daughters experience this, even when they wear a purdah. Bye.”
“I think there has been a case like this before, but they still blame the victim. Like in rape cases, victims are also blamed for their clothes. Men, you need to control yourself. This is the fasting month. If it doesn’t happen to you, it could happen to your little sister.”
“Men whose attitudes are like that, it doesn’t matter how wide a woman’s clothes are, they will still find a way to sexualise women. Teach men how to behave, not target women on how they should dress.”
In speaking with Wau Post on the matter, Azza said that this was apparently not the first time that the stalker had contacted her. Back in 2020, he had sent her a private message using a different account, but she declined to respond to it. She has also advised other women to be brave and take a stand for themselves when facing similar incidents of sexual harassment.
“Ask for help. Don’t be afraid, because you are not alone.” she said.
At this point in time, she adds that she will not be lodging a police report to pursue the matter further, and has simply blocked the stalker over social media.
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