Our Impact
Chalk Back’s impact can be measured through numbers, behavior change and visibility.
In 2023, members chalked 3556 stories of gender based street harassment. Those who are chalking have reported an increase in confidence and feeling of belonging. Those whose stories have been chalked have self reported the feeling of reclaiming space and having community.
Chalking
While we chalk, from Nairobi to Ottawa, passerbyers have engaged in meaningful discussion. Survivors who pass the chalkings have been reported to express the feelings of solidarity. Often men stop on the street and reflect on the words that have been chalked, recognizing the harmful effects of the words on those being catcalled. This has led to sharing best practices on how they can educate their male friends or how they can support their friends who have been catcalled.
Starting Conversation
From Ted Talks, awards, BBC and New York Times articles highlighting the movement, Tiktok videos reaching up to 5 million viewers, Chalk Back activists are changing the culture around street harassment, and sharing our message to large audiences through social and mainstream media.
Visibility
In a time of horrific violence, mental health decline, etc, Chalk Back creates impact simply by showing up for each other and committing to making change, and not looking away from violence and injustice.
Community & Solidarity
Chalk Back aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which lay out a thorough plan for gender equality. SDG 5 states, “Women and girls, everywhere, must have equal rights and opportunity, and be able to live free of violence and discrimination.” The elimination of street harassment is an essential aspect of achieving SDG 5. Our work is also deeply rooted in progressing SDG 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Gender transformative education is central to eliminating gender based street harassment. Lastly, we recognize the importance of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. We are committed to working collaboratively to achieve our collective mission.
Press
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Street harassment is ‘becoming more dangerous.’ Here’s how activists are tackling it around the world.
The Washington Post | December 2021
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Chalk Balk is a powerful youth-led organisation using street art to denormalise gender-based street harassment – here's why they matter now more than ever
GLAMOUR | August 2021
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10 Tips to Reclaim Public Space and Resist Street Harassment
Ms. | April 2021
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Fed up with hearing catcalls on the street, women around the world are fighting back – with chalk
CNN | May 2019
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Catcalling: Women write in chalk to stop street harassmen
BBC | July 2018
Annual Reports
2023
2022
2021