Last month, the San Carlos Cooperative equipped around 2,000 buses in Ecuador with a text message alarm system that responds to sexual harassment reports. When harassment occurs, victims can text ‘ACOSO’ (‘harassment’) to a designated number, along with the number of the bus they’re traveling on. The organization immediately notifies the driver, who makes a loudspeaker announcement. At the same time, police are called to board the bus at the next bus stop, and a psychologist reaches out to the victim.  

The issue of sexual harassment on public transport is particularly nightmarish in Latin America. But this is a global issue, too. Research suggests 80% of all women experience harassment on public transport, while 90% of these incidents go unreported. Which is why this innovation should act as yet another signal (as if you needed one) that Time’s Up. Because now, there are ever more ways to combat this scourge, right at the moment that it occurs. New technologies can shine powerful, cleansing lights into previously dark corners. And sometimes all it takes is a novel use of an existing channel, as we see here with SMS.  

It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re based, and no industry will be immune: consumers will expect you to take a proactive role in stopping and preventing sexual harassment. So if you’re not already discussing your response, then use this example to start that conversation. Today.

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