Colombia. Tierra caliente. Everything caliente. I think that’s the general impression of the country in the eyes of foreigners. And yes, it has some truths to it, as do all stereotypes.
If you are a solo female traveler, fear not. But as anywhere else, sexual harassment is real. And you should know what to expect and what you’re in for so you can recognize a harmless situation from a bad one.
As of now, I hope I haven’t scared you. I travel a lot by myself and have had no problems. For the most part, people are extremely friendly and helpful. Being a solo female traveler in Colombia can actually work in your favor. People see you as a solo female and automatically keep an extra eye out for you. They’re more willing to lend you an extra hand and look out for you. That’s machismo playing in your favor girl! Work it and use it to your benefit. (Without abusing of course)
But this article isn’t about all the lovely people in Colombia. It’s about all the people that aren’t. Sexual harassment in Colombia is not generally a serious issue. But again, you’re here because you want to know what you’re in for and what to expect. Speaking with foreign females living in the country, I’ve gotten a few stories here and there you might be interested in reading more about down below.
What to expect in terms of sexual harassment in Colombia?
Expect catcalls. Plus a lot of looks from both men and women. Especially if you stand out from the general population. You’ll hear the common and slimy “tssk! tssk!” no matter how bad you look.
A girlfriend shared her experience, which seems to be a very common experience:
I get catcalled every single time I leave my apartment: “ooof mamita,” “que linda,” “que taaal mami, venga conmigo,” “preciosa,”….When I’m waiting to cross a street, instead of stopping to let me pass, they’ll just slow down their car to stare at me.
Whispers of nasty things under their breath as you walk by is standard. So you learn to appreciate decent compliments when delivered. And for the rest, you try your very best to let it fly and ignore it.
Other girlfriends have had strange experiences including:
- One of an Uber driver who said he was a was a masseur and started to try give her a physical demo while driving.
- Another had a taxi cab take her and her friend in the wrong direction and locked all car doors. Make sure you know how to stay safe while taking taxis.
Another shared a particularly disturbing experience:
At first, two security guards from my apartment building would say hello to me as I passed. Then, they began making jokes about going out with me. Soon, they were talking about wanting to marry me and come back to the United States when I returned for Christmas. I tried to ignore it, smile and walk quickly past the front desk, telling myself that that’s just how men are here.
However, one week, one of the guards grabbed me on two occasions to “warm up my cold hands.” Another called up to my apartment when he knew I was home alone to tell me he had been “thinking of me.”
That week, I told a Colombian friend who assured me that this was not typical behavior, and I told my roommate who reported them to the building administration.
Their behavior stopped immediately and I eventually moved apartments. In hindsight, I wish I had said something sooner.
How to deal with catcalling and sexual harassment in Colombia
In regards to catcalling, Colombian women develop a shield. It goes in one ear and out the other. They don’t even blink.
A friend said “to deal with it better, I constantly remind myself that it’s one of those cultural differences that we have to accept if we want to live in Latin America. Also, consider that it’s a very image-oriented society. Women go to great lengths to make themselves noticeable by getting their hair and nails done, wearing lots of make-up, and often wearing provocative clothing with high heels. Men get used to staring at women and giving them the attention they desire, so it’s not a huge surprise that they continue this pattern with foreigners, regardless of whether or not we’re asking for it.”
How have I personally dealt with it?
At first I felt insulted, objectified and disgusted. I would scream and curse at them, give them my lovely middle finger, and make some type of public scene. I wanted to teach them a lesson.
Of course, that’s very stupid of me. The type of man that does this has no respect for a woman and doesn’t see her as his equal to begin with. I can’t teach a lesson by embarrassing them.
And let’s not forget that femicide is a thing here. Men are machista. Women and girls get abused and killed by their partners, strangers and family members.
So the mentality in Colombia goes: keep your cool because you never know who you are dealing with.
That’s right. You don’t know what response you might get out of a stranger. The best is just to ignore.
As for handling more severe types of sexual harassment in Colombia?
As a foreign woman in Colombia, you might feel out of your element and thus more vulnerable. But don’t hesitate to report! Whether it’s your Uber driver, tour guide, or staff at the hotel you’re staying at, denounce them to their company. Although you came out untouched, do it for the sake of other women that will come after you. Don’t let it happen to someone else. You have that responsibility.
And if something more serious arises, denounce immediately the situation to your embassy and the police. I’m sorry to say that I feel the police doesn’t do anything here in Colombia and nothing would happen to the aggressor, but you never know.
What I have noticed is that women don’t really share these stories.
There’s a sort of shame and stigma that somehow, we’ve provoked it. A guilt that it’s partly our fault. That we shouldn’t have been nice or trusting. Or we’re not sure if the situation crossed the line or not.
Well if we’re not sure, it’s probably because it did!
We all have our stories and when you begin to open up, you realize every single woman out there has had some sort of sexual harassment she’s dealt with.
But it’s by sharing these stories within our community that we are able to remove the stigma and shame. Don’t be scared. Be vocal!
If you have something to say about the matter, please share it with me in the comment box down below. I read every comment and appreciate all messages!<
