I'm going to be real today. I first experienced sexual harassment at the age of 14. I distinctly remember being groped by a man who is as old as my father, and the harassment did not end. Street harassment is a huge problem in New York believe it or not.

I remember feeling sick that night and I also remember crying my eyes out and feeling ashamed. I think that the majority of teenage girls living in the city have expierenced some form of harassment. This issue had effected my view of my body. Ever since then I would try to cover my entire body so that I can avoid all forms of harassment. I even considered wearing hijabs again to provide me with some type of “protection.”

Eventually, I was able to learn that a girl should not have to put in that much time and effort so that she can avoid a couple of animals. Also, I have a problem with peoples reactions to harassment because usually they imply that it is the girls fault. Instead telling girls they're asking for it, they should teach boys self control! Sexual harassment isn't this harmless issue we are allowed to ignore. It is very serious and it can heavily effect how society views womens issues.

So to all of the creepy perverts on the subway, don't follow me, compliment me, or touch me unless I want you to. I really want to raise awareness about this issue so that other teenage girls owon’t have to got through the same thing. Finally, I need feminism because NO MATTER WHAT I am not asking for it; no matter how short my shorts are or how much makeup I'm wearing.

I need feminism because no one woman should have to feel afraid to walk walk home from school because they think someone will harrass them. I need feminism because I refuse to let society ignore my struggles. Also I do have to say that I am glad this happened, because at the end of the day I become more informed about this issue.