I write this not to criticize you or to let the negative overshadow the positive. I have wonderful male friends, a supportive brother, an incredible mentor, and a loving husband. Men have helped me in times of need, and I am thankful for the many good men in this world.
However, I’m reaching out because we genuinely need your involvement. Every time you turn on the news, there’s another heartbreaking report of a woman attacked—whether she’s jogging, heading to a friend’s house, or simply trying to get into her car. The chilling reality is that women often don’t feel safe anywhere, even in their own homes.
I recently read comments on an article about women who were abducted while jogging. Many of the responses were well-meaning yet misguided, suggesting that if women carried weapons, we could avoid such tragedies. This perspective places the onus of responsibility solely on us. If you believe this, then we have a lot more work to do than I realized.
Every time I step outside, I worry about my safety. I’ve experienced unwanted attention from men across various backgrounds. I’ve had men three times my age look at me in ways that make me uncomfortable. Perhaps some may think this is subjective, but I assure you, every woman I know has faced similar experiences.
I have encountered harassment, unwanted advances, and even an attempted abduction when I was just a teenager. The fear doesn’t just stop. Every night spent alone comes with its own anxieties—checking if the doors are locked and the windows are secure. Women everywhere are lying awake at night, listening for strange sounds in the dark. Many receive advice from their partners on how to use a gun for protection or how to take a self-defense class.
In various magazines, I see lists of the most dangerous places for women, with parking lots often topping the list. I’ve never seen a similar list for men. It’s evident that the issue isn’t about knowing how to stay safe; we’ve learned that since childhood. It’s not about the tools we carry or the places we go. The real question we ask ourselves is: Why must we live in fear? It’s simply not right.
Men, you may think we’re overreacting, but I encourage you to ask the women in your lives—your mothers, sisters, friends, or partners—about their experiences. You might be shocked by what you learn, but it’s crucial for understanding the injustices we face.
Once you’ve listened, the next step is to engage in discussions with other men. Talk to your fathers, brothers, and friends. Share what you’ve learned and ask them to listen with open hearts. Most importantly, stand with us in the fight against rape culture and victim blaming. Women deserve a world where safety is a given, not a luxury.
This isn’t simply about finding ways to protect us; it’s about the fact that we shouldn’t have to be in danger at all.
For more insights on related topics, feel free to explore our posts that discuss home insemination and pregnancy, such as this one on home insemination kits or visit Make a Mom for authoritative information. Additionally, NICHD provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s essential for men to understand the realities women face regarding safety and to join us in advocating for change. Together, we can contribute to a culture where women can live freely without fear.