The securitization of street harassment in Rotterdam: Government’s and women’s articulations of safety for women.

This thesis aims to examine the securitization of street harassment by government entities in Rotterdam as well as explore women's experiences of this public issue. The objective is to understand how security operates in addressing street harassment by highlighting both individual’s experiences and analyze how government entities address street harassment. The research employs qualitative analysis techniques, including interviews and document analysis. Divided into two parts, the study examines both government and women's articulations of street harassment, comparing and analysing them to provide an institutional and personal perspective. The findings reveal a discrepancy between the government's approach and women's lived experiences. While the documents focus on identifying disruptive actions of malevolent perpetrators and maintaining public order, they risk neglecting the inherently sexist nature of street harassment. In contrast, the interviewed women articulate a broader understanding of security, they advocate for an all-encompassing notion of security, which includes the social, emotional, and sexual aspects, and they highlight the risks posed by a patriarchal order. This study underscores the significance of incorporating a gender perspective when examining security and crime control. It also acknowledges the contradictions, tensions, and oppositions encountered when exploring security through a gender lens. Documenting these challenges is crucial for informing policy development and facilitating the pursuit of effective approaches and solutions to combat gender-based violence.