New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has recently announced that a $250,000 anti-catcalling ad campaign will be featured on subways, ferries, and near construction sites. However, the announcement did not sit well with some New York City residents, as many considered this initiative a “waste of money.”
The campaign will run through April and include a dozen posters and digital ads in both English and Spanish. Reports indicate that sidewalk decals will be placed at 150 locations, while posters will also appear near 75 construction zones. Animated subway ads are expected to be shown roughly 12 million times.
According to Mamdani, this initiative is part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and its goal is to “reduce harm and build safe communities.” The mayor also cited a 2024 survey that found 7 out of 10 New Yorkers have experienced street harassment, including being filmed, followed, or touched without consent.
New York Residents React to Mamdani’s Anti-Catcalling Campaign
The initiative was not very well-received by New Yorkers on social media, though, with multiple locals calling the campaign a “total waste of money.” According to one resident, “$250,000 for an advertisement that’s gonna do absolutely nothing during what Mamdani himself described as a fiscal crisis” was insane.
Others criticized the administration, saying, “Once again, the left doesn’t understand the difference between intentions and reality.” Some argued that “dudes who are catcalling women aren’t going to stop because of a PSA on the subway.”
The sentiment was shared even by people who had previously supported the administration: “I’m liking things Mamdani is doing, but what even is this? Like many already mentioned, this will not stop people from catcalling. 250K is no small amount and could’ve been used for something better.”
Not everyone disagreed with Mamdani, though. One user wrote, “I’m fine with this. Catcalling is way worse here than in other places I’ve lived. And honestly, it’s really nice to have someone in the office who cares about this.”
It remains to be seen how effective the campaign will be. Hopefully, it will at least raise awareness about this serious issue faced by many women in the city.
