A Woman In Today's World

Women, if you’re not one, you know one. One in two of us are women. Yet, one in two of us are also at a higher risk of violence just because of our gender. Many problems might affect our society, but there are few things more disgusting than violence towards women. 

For the gents here today, picture this: you’re walking down the street at night, not even in a particularly dangerous area. You feel unsafe, you feel shaken, you feel like prey in the sight of a fast-approaching predator. No one’s around, but even then, you can sense the claws of the hypothetical danger sinking deeper into your subconscious. Anything could jump out from anywhere. I say thing, I do mean one.  

Sarah Everard. Sabina Nessa. Zara Aleena. What do these women have in common? They were murdered while walking alone at night. They never hassled their perpetrators; they were simply walking, and they were given the death penalty for putting one foot in front of the other. And being female.  

Your thoughts rumble, like a piece of paper crumpled beyond recognition. The wind feels heavier, heavier, and way heavier. You want to look behind, but then your fear might be visible. Hide, but maybe wear a more assertive stance, so you’re not seen as weak. Walk fast, but don't run. Whoever might be behind you could probably catch up. Feel confident, but don’t dress the way you want to. You’re asking for it.  

The vibrant woman you are, you must reduce her to a block of armoured concrete. Pacify her, make her submit to the beast in the shadows. Her bright personality will only put a target on the back of her head anyway. And then you decide: “Maybe I shouldn’t pop down to the shop tonight”. This... is the tragedy of being a woman in 21^st century Britain. And this is the answer to the question; this is why we’ve chosen to campaign against violence towards women and girls.