A new survey conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Cities in collaboration with Ipsos-Ipec highlights the alarming prevalence of harassment experienced by women in São Paulo. According to the research, 70% of women living in the city have faced some form of harassment while engaging in everyday activities such as walking in the street, using public transportation, or working in various environments. The study involved interviews with 3,500 women nationwide, including 700 from São Paulo, underlining the systemic nature of this issue across the country.

The report details that acts of harassment occur in a variety of public spaces, with a significant 54% of São Paulo respondents reporting incidents on the streets. This pervasive issue extends beyond public transit and outdoor environments, penetrating workplaces, bars, restaurants, and even private app-based transport services. Concerns voiced by women, including feelings of vulnerability and the lack of specific protection measures for them, reflect a broader societal failure to protect individuals from harassment.

Prominent voices, like public prosecutor Gabriela de Oliveira Aparício, emphasize the pervasive insecurity felt by women in Brazil. The findings from this survey shed light on the urgent need for increased awareness, structured responses, and practical measures to ensure safer public spaces for women, advocating for systemic changes to address and combat harassment effectively in society.