Protected while in Motion? A Critical Analysis of Sexual Harassment Policies in the Metropolitan District of Quito
Keywords:
Sexual Violence, Public Transport, Policies, HarassmentAbstract
This study examines policies against sexual violence in public transportation in the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ). To this end, laws, ordinances, statutes, and other documents related to mobility in this city were collected and analysed from a gender perspective. An analytical framework based on political, logistical, and operational capacities was employed, following the "NATO" resource model, and unstructured interviews were conducted with officials involved in the implementation of these policies.
The results indicate that, although various policies have been implemented to address sexual violence in Quito’s public transportation, the continuity and effectiveness of these actions have been inconsistent and influenced by administrative changes. Metropolitan Ordinance No. 0235 and the "Bájale al Acoso" (Reduce harassment) campaign are examples of initiatives that had a positive impact but faced challenges in their implementation and sustainability. The recent "Cero Acoso" (Cero harassment) campaign, launched in 2022, aims to improve and expand these strategies.
This study highlights the importance of effective governance and well-designed, sustainable public policies to address sexual violence in public transportation. While significant progress has been made in Quito, continuous improvements and adaptations are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of women in public transit.
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References
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