Chances are, if you've been under a rock, you own a cell phone. More importantly, if you're a woman who owns a cell phone, more than likely, you've got a few unwanted calls - repeated unwanted calls. While I write this post to tell a story and wanting to hear your own stories, there are also feminist actions I hope you'll take.

A few months ago, I met a woman at a conference who, since then, has expressed interests in a relationship. Although I've been clear that I am not interested in such, and that I am focusing my attention on my career and academic successes, it seems this woman does not understand that no means no. I've been getting phone calls, text messages and the likes at all times of the day, to the point where it got annoying. Calling my phone company to see if I can block text messages and phone calls, I was told that it cost a fee. I signed up for it.

The incident, however, got me thinking. I am an economically privileged male. I do not have to look behind my back every time I walk down the streets. Although I do not claim to know first hand what women who receive repeated unsolicited phone calls go through, I do know that I will never live the life of fear that some of these women have to go through. I don't have to change my phone number as so many have to, and I do not fear that one day, the persistent person will find where I live and knock on my door. In short, I don't have to change my life around because of the persistence of someone. Some women - many women, do.

It is my belief that no one has to live in fear - that the rights to privacy and to be left alone are unalienable rights everyone should have, especially economically disadvantaged women. Yet, to be able to live a life free of fear and harrassment, many women are having to pay extra for security services with cell phone companies, to block numbers from their cell phones. In the end, it's more than just about physical security - but rather, no one should have to live life constantly looking at their phones, being reminded of unpleasant memories of people they do not want to talk to. Women already are economically disadvtanged compared to men - especially those in college and are also more likely to be stalked. Thus, we need a law - a new way of looking at things, to ensure they no longer get harrassed.

While stalking laws are most certainly in place, here is a feminist action I propose: feminists who are concerned with this issues, and those who have been harrassed before, should write their local Congresspersons and cell phone companies. The former is to explain to them a need of change in the laws that require cell phone companies to provide free-of-charge security blocks to cell phones of those being harrassed, and the latter to ensure that cell phone companies are aware of the actions being proposed to Congress, in that they may do this on their own, without having to get Congress involved.

Compared to the Global Gag Rule, the never-ending fight for reproductive justice and many other issues, this is a minimal issue, but it's also important. My experience with these unsolicited phone calls are nothing compared to the fear many women go through, but I know I don't like it - and I know that there are women out there who are experiencing the same things, who are going through much worst than I am.

So, please, take action, and most importantly, tell your stories of being harrassed, if you wish - after all, blogs like these are aimed at both making a better world and giving you a voice.

-Marc

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