Ending Sexual Harassment: Handbook Project Aims for Change in Society

On March 15, 2026, the crowdfunding campaign for the project entitled "#Let's Eliminate Harassment Together" came to a close, successfully gathering contributions totaling 2,371,770 yen from 337 supporters. Spearheaded by the NPO SISTERS, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this initiative aimed to create and distribute a comprehensive handbook addressing harassment for both teenagers and adults.

Why Is This Handbook Needed Now?

The impetus for the handbook arises from sobering statistics presented in a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which reveals that about one in five women and roughly one in twelve men will experience harassment at some point in their lives. The majority of these incidents occur during high school or college years, signaling a dire need for educational resources to tackle this pressing issue. Despite the prevalence of harassment, cultural attitudes often minimize its severity, leading many young people to view such incidents as unavoidable or unworthy of discussion.

The goal of the handbook is to alter this narrative. Through collaboration with psychologists, the project aims to deliver reliable information about harassment to adolescents, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and support.

Project Features

- Teen Handbook: A physical booklet designed for high school students, offering insights and advice on harassment.
- Digital Handbook: An online resource for adults detailing actionable steps for witnessing harassment incidents.
- Community Focus: Emphasizing that this issue is not just the concern of teenage victims, but a societal problem that requires the input and action from everyone.

For further details about the project, visit here.

The Road Ahead

Although the initial goal of 5 million yen was not achieved, the funds raised will still allow the team to distribute as many handbooks as possible. Starting in May, the physical handbooks will be delivered to partner schools.

Additionally, the digital version aimed at adults will be disseminated via the web as part of efforts to raise awareness leading up to June, known as Sexual Harassment Prevention Month.

Voices of Supporters

Among the many messages received from backers, one poignant narrative recalled the frustration of not receiving help after vocalizing a plea during high school harassment. Many supporters expressed a collective desire to ensure that future generations would not endure similar experiences. The testimonials highlight the profound impact of this issue on individuals’ lives and their commitment to fostering a safer environment for all.

Executives’ Commitment

SISTERS' representative, Ai Suzuki, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters: "The stories we’ve received reflect a profound wish from those who have experienced harassment that future students should not endure the same fate. Although we did not reach our target, we are determined to utilize the 2 million yen raised to convey the message that 'You are not at fault' to adolescents, while empowering adults with a sense of agency to take action."

Call for Collaboration

The project is currently seeking schools interested in distributing the handbooks and potential partners, such as rail companies, willing to join the initiative. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via the provided link. Additionally, contributions are still welcomed for printing and shipping costs, enabling broader distribution.

For those wishing to support this cause financially, one-time donations can be made here.

Conclusion

The SISTERS NPO is not just about producing these educational materials; it is committed to reshaping societal attitudes towards harassment through knowledge and resources. As the project evolves, it promises to be a catalyst for substantial change, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and respected. Stand with SISTERS as they work tirelessly to promote safer communities for all individuals—today and in the future.

More about SISTERS NPO can be found at their website and on their Instagram.