TABUK: The Tabuk municipality walkway is turning into a fertile ground for the harassment of young women, with Haia officers on the lookout to detain those who invade the personal space of women or who harass them in any way.

It has become increasingly common to see young men walking on the women's side of the path in order to gain their attention, even though the majority of the community disapproves of this kind of behavior.

One woman, Nawal Mohammad, said that she is surprised to find that young men are using the side that is supposed to be only for women, even though they have their own side. She said that this is made worse when the men wear inappropriate clothing for walking.

Lamya Al-Marwani, another frequent walker, also noted that many young men come to the walkway to ogle at women. Their presence there has nothing to do with fitness, and everything to do with blatant harassment.

Nawal Mohammad added that some youths go even further than this and attempt to throw their phone numbers at women who cross their paths, adding that police need to move to stop this uncivilized behavior immediately.

Nora Ali, another woman who uses the path frequently, likes to use the walkway to stay fit but is often stared at by young men. She has now enrolled in a women-only gym to make sure she can practice the sport she loves without harassment.

Sara Saad also complained about this new problem, saying that there needs to be a greater enforcement of the law against harassment, adding that the words that youths shout at women along the walkway are a form of harassment that should be stopped. She said the looks, the winks and long stares are clearly offensive and hurtful and must be dealt with in a serious manner.