https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p5pp1pcOPs&sns=em

UN Women, a very powerful women’s group, came up with the idea of putting a molded penis on a seat on a train in Mexico City as a way to remind passengers of the sexual violence women suffer everyday in that city. Passenger reactions were taped. 

More than 800,000 people viewed the YouTube video since it was posted March 20th. You can watch it here. The United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women in July 2010.

Mexico City was targeted because it ranks as the second most dangerous city for women. I hated hearing that because Mexico City is on top of my travel bucket list.

The campaign asked passengers  “if they would sit on a seat with a mounded penis?” A posted message said, “It is uncomfortable to sit here, but that is nothing compared to the sexual violence that women suffer on their daily journeys.”

The campaign has had significant impact. For example, some trains now have separate carriages for women. The city government is also offering more protection for women. This is a start. 

I hope YouTube keeps us informed about major safety improvements for the women of Mexico City.  For further information, go to Mashable.