By: Gabriela Yareliz
I listened to the incredible episode about sexual harassment on the Pardon My French- Atelier Doré podcast.
I am convinced that it is never too early to talk to our kids, siblings and friends about sexual harassment. I especially think parents need to sit down and have these important discussions about what is okay and not okay, at a young age. We need to show children that they have our support. We will act on their behalf. We will believe them. We will seek justice.
We can not perpetuate our culture, where so many women have felt trapped; and sometimes, even stunned and unsure of what has just happened to them.
We need to erase from our culture the attitude that says, “Why do anything about this? No one will help you/ believe you/ nothing will change/ you will just complicate matters.” We need to take action.
We need to be vocal.
And lastly, also important is our own behavior. Little eyes are watching us. Every time you raise your voice at someone, ignore someone, show disrespect, become volatile with someone, demean someone— children are watching and making this something that they think is normal and acceptable.
What is good, true, pure— these values and definitions start at home.
Make your voice and actions agents of change.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 