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"Don't be shy!": Harassment stories in Kazakhstan
Aliya Kulakhmetova - designer and editor
Yelnaz Zhailau - text writer and editor
Harassment in a taxi in Kazakhstan is not uncommon. Many girls have at least once heard obscene jokes, offers to get acquainted, frightening hints, or even experienced harassment and violence. Nuray, Amina, and Altynay (names are changed) faced harassment and share their stories.
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The taxi driver locked the girl in the car and demanded her number. At that moment Altynay's phone was disconnected and she did not know what to do. She wanted to call for help, but there was no one around. Fortunately, the driver let her go. Now Altynay has a fear of driving a taxi alone.

The story of Amina with a taxi driver who showed an active interest in her. Despite the fact that she was with a friend, he made frank statements to her in the direction of her body.
The trip began with an unobtrusive conversation about studying. The taxi driver held out his hand as a sign of acquaintance, and Nurai automatically shook his hand. After that, he asked to hold her hand a second time. She refused. Then he started asking personal questions and making awkward comments towards the girl. In the end, he asked to keep it in the room, in case she wanted to marry an adult man. When his request was refused, the taxi driver left Nurai before reaching the designated place.

Harassment is often a preliminary stage in the commission of more serious crimes, such as threats, beatings, rape and even murder.
About 90 - 110 girls from Kazakhstan took part in this online survey. Basically, the harassment manifested itself verbally, that is, through personal questions, intrusive attempts to get acquainted, as well as through unpleasant comments and suggestions.

The survey showed that 95% of girls use taxis daily or several times a month. At the same time, 45% of girls sit behind the driver and the next 45% sit behind the passenger seat. And the remaining 5% is next to the driver. 77% of the girls surveyed imitate that they tell someone taxi data when they take a taxi.

According to the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, offensive harassment qualifies as "Petty hooliganism" under Article 434, for violation of which a fine of up to 5 MCI (15315 tenge) or 10 days of arrest is imposed. But this article also covers the desecration of residential premises, obscene language in public places.

If a girl turns to law enforcement agencies, then the authorities themselves are not concerned with the investigation of such cases. Rules of the Criminal Code provide for bringing a person to responsibility only if the driver has made a frank offer that he wants to engage in sexual intercourse.

There is no specific article for sexual harassment, and the police will not investigate this case and bring to justice. It means that Kazakhstani women will practically not be able to achieve punishment for the aggressor. As a result, the taxi driver, using his impunity, will be able to easily harass and deliver psychological and physical damage to the girl.

How to deal with it?
Situations are different, and you need to behave in such a way as to preserve your safety as much as possible. There is no such ideal algorithm of actions or situations. It all depends on the person. But you must try to act decisively. Do not hesitate to repeat the word "no" several times. It happens that a person, especially if he has drunk, does not hear "no" the first time, which, of course, does not justify him at all. Then you need to say it a second and a third time, perhaps even a little louder. If at first the phrase "No, I don't want to meet you" doesn't work, then next time it should be a short and loud "no". But again, there is no universal solution to how to deal with such a situation. In order to respond harshly, forces and resources are required, which may not be available at this moment. Then you can listen to music loudly with headphones and not pay attention.

Also, if you feel anxious, you need to send your location and car number to your friends and family. If a taxi driver starts harassing you with obscene actions and words, then immediately call the police. Feel free to say that you feel threatened and need help.

After you encounter a harassment in a taxi, you should first of all give yourself time to recover. You are not protected from comments “He just wanted to meet you” or “ Nothing serious has happened.” Violence is not nonsense, and it is normal to feel bad in such a situation. It's also normal to ask for support — for someone to meet you, go in a taxi with you.

After the harassment, the girls can avoid all situations in a taxi, like our heroines. This affects the quality of her life. Therefore, when the first crisis passes, it is worth starting to assess the real danger. In cognitive behavioral therapy, there is a method of exposure, when a person gradually goes through situations that cause him fear and discomfort. Maybe you should first drive a small gap in a taxi with someone, then decide on a longer trip. At first, there may be a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. Do not be afraid of this — this is a normal human reaction to an abnormal situation that has happened to you. Remember that the reaction to violence can be very different and in any case, you should not scold and criticize yourself for doing something wrong.

Zhansaya Akhmetsadyk
Psychologist at SDU
Also, in times of danger and anxiety, it is important to have means of protection and self-defense for girls with you. In Kazakhstan, there is an online store Aksafety, which sells legal self-defense tools like pepper spray, pocket alarm, window and glass breaker and much more. The creators of this store are 20-year-old girls from Almaty - Kundyz Kabykenova and Aiken Kanieva.

Each product has a permission and proper use. For example, whistles and pocket sirens with a special button or check that needs to be pulled out, after which the siren begins to beep very loudly. It can be thrown under the feet of the attacker to switch his attention. It is important to figure out in advance where to run — preferably to the most crowded place: a cafe, a public transport stop, a subway, a square or a street with passers-by. You'll be safer there. We also have an aerosol can
It's about like an air freshener. It is convenient to use it in an open space, but the substance is strongly exposed to the direction of the wind, so there is a fear that everything can fly at you.

Kundyz Kabykenova
Founder "Aksafety"
It is also planned to launch a startup project called “Safe” in Almaty. The goal of this project is to create a safe field for female taxi drivers and clients. The project is under implementation.
My team and I are creating a project that will help women stay safe. Because now many girls want to work in a taxi, but fear for their safety. There are also a lot of cases of disappearance, harassment of girls by taxi drivers. I think we can help solve this problem.
Next week we will have a presentation of our future project. I hope that we will be able to involve the investor and launch our application.

Aybar Nigmatulla
Project Manager

TIPS
- If you call a taxi using your phone, be sure to record the number and model of the car.
- If you notice strange behavior or deviation from the route in a taxi, try to contact the support service, the police, or your loved ones.
- When you are harassed, you do not have to be silent. You can shout and complain, you can ask for help from others.
- Carry self-defense equipment (pepper spray, sticks, etc.)

Trip is over!
Meet Our Team
Aliya Kulakhmetova
Designer and editor
Yelnaz Zhailau
Text-writer and editor

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