Idk why this is still happen

I thought that with the massive flow of information, endless content and discussions about sexual harassment and catcalling, people would already understand by now. But apparently, they don’t.

That evening, my mood was shattered.

I witnessed catcalling happen right in front of my eyes. And it made me furious. Catcalling is not a joke, not small talk, not something trivial. Even though it wasn’t directed at me, it still broke my heart.

I was taking a slow walk to increase my daily steps. I stood across the street and noticed a group of men (around five or six of them and doing nothing), just sitting there with their vehicles parked in front of them.

I had a bad feeling. I watched them for a moment.

And my instinct was right.

A hijabi woman walked past them. And then, yes—the catcalling came out of their mouths. Right in front of me. I saw her lower her head and choose to ignore it.

I couldn’t do much because the distance was too far. But my emotions exploded. I turned around, walked toward the group of men, and stared at them one by one with a sharp, cold look. That was the only thing I could do at that moment.

They all stared back. They didn’t dare do anything—I was with my husband. But I kept staring at them for a long time. “Your stare was so sharp. Just let it go,” my husband said. I know he was trying to calm me, not silence me.

No. I couldn’t.

This truly wounded my heart. I felt deeply uncomfortable. And I hope that woman is okay and not traumatized. Because I have been in that position before. I know exactly how it feels.

I write this in my first note of 2026 because I want to speak up. I don’t want to stay silent anymore or brush things like this aside.

Please understand this clearly: catcalling is not a joke. It is harassment. Even if you say, “We’re just kidding.”

I don’t understand? since when is joking something you do to a stranger who never asked for your attention?

And I want to say this firmly: please don’t stay silent. You have the right to resist. This is violence in public spaces.

Look them in the eyes. See them one by one. Things like this are not acceptable.

Read more. Learn more. Use the device in your hands to understand. Catcalling is not a joke.

And to anyone who experiences this again and again: fight back. If you are in an open, public space like I was today. fight back.

It can be with eye contact.
Or with your voice:

• “Excuse me? Are you calling me?”
• “What’s the problem? Why are you calling out to me?”
• “Yes, I am beautiful. So why are you shouting at me?”

You are not wrong.
They are.

Also read: Sad woman looking at happy couple holding each others hands