This project addresses catcalling as a structural form of harassment rooted in gendered power relations. It critically examines public perceptions of safety in everyday urban space, with a particular focus on the vulnerability of older people. Personal safety is framed not as an individual responsibility, but as a societal failure.
Three wearables were developed as abstract interpretations of defensive mechanisms found in the animal world. These objects do not function as protective devices in a literal sense; instead, they operate as visible interventions that expose and challenge normalized forms of harassment. The project aims to empower individuals while drawing attention to the persistent gender imbalance that structures public space and everyday interaction.
Elizabeth Sharp, Eva-Maria Lainer, Lena Reutenauer, Rosa Sturm
Under the supervision of Design Investigations / Anab Jain