Sexual harassment in public places
27 June 2018
The Women and Equalities Committee takes evidence on sexual harassment of women and girls in public places. The first panel will look at sexual harassment of women at university and the second will focus on public transport and at night. Both issues featured strongly in written evidence submitted to the inquiry.
- Watch the meeting: Sexual harassment of women and girls in public places
- Inquiry information: Sexual harassment of women and girls in public places
- Women and Equalities Committee
Focus of the meeting
- how women and girls are targeted for sexual harassment at university, on public transport and at night and the impact;
- the effectiveness of recent policy initiatives in preventing men from perpetrating sexual harassment of women and girls in these places;
- where responsibility lies for ensuring that women and girls have the freedom to enjoy where they live, socialise or study at any time of day or night;
- the role of licensing laws and other local measures in creating communities that are safe for women and girls.
Who's attending
Committee Room 16, Palace of Westminster
At 9.50am:
- Dr Geetanjali Gangoli, University of Bristol
- Hareem Ghani, NUS Women's Officer
- Yvonne Hawkins, Office for Students
At approx. 10.40am:
- DI Ashley Cooper, British Transport Police
- Dr Jackie Gray, Middlesex University
- Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware
- Anton Walden, Canterbury City Council
Background to the inquiry
In the last five years, there has been a growing public debate about sexual harassment and sexual violence of women and girls in the UK. A global survey published by Ipsos Mori on International Women's Day 2018 found that sexual harassment and sexualisation in the media are seen by women and men in Britain as the second and third (out of over 20 options) most important issues facing women and girls in Britain today.
The Committee launched its inquiry into sexual harassment of women and girls in public places on 15th January 2018. Terms of reference here.
The first evidence session on 2nd May considered why some men and boys harass and what the Government is doing to stop it.
The second session, on 6th June, looked at issues relating to media and culture and sexual harassment.
The third session, on 13th June, examined why sexual harassment is an equality and human rights issue and international action being taken.
Written submissions received so far as part of this inquiry can be viewed here.
In 2016, the Committee held an inquiry into sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools.
Further information
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