This Girl Can: help women feel safe exercising in the dark

[Cmoi]

Cross-posted to the C25K, Bridge to 10K, and Marathon and Events forums.

I've just seen this article in The Guardian: theguardian.com/commentisfr...

Worth a read, regardless of gender. I particularly like that the article includes one of the points that I've previously made myself on the HU running forums: Of course, I know that most of the men reading this aren’t the aggressors and that they would never harass a woman, but the point is that women do not know that.

Run safely, run happy!

[Martlet76]

tha k you for posting this and maintaining our awareness

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

This is such an important topic-thanks for sharing this helpful article.

There are some great tips advising men on how to make women feel safer in the article. The author, Chris Boardman, say he wants them shared widely so I’m quoting directly them here…

First, keep your distance: the closer you are, the more threatening you seem. If you’re walking or running behind a woman, pause to give her some space, or cross the road so you aren’t behind her any more. Understand that women’s wariness and suspicion is not personal, so don’t be offended. Women have no way of knowing you are not a threat.

Never make comments, even if you think it’s a compliment. It’s intimidating to a woman on her own. Stay quiet. If you see friends or family members making disrespectful comments to a woman, challenge them and explain why it’s not OK. We need to break the cycle of misogyny that contributes to women feeling unsafe. Show younger men what it looks like to listen to women. Talk to them about what harassment is. Help them understand why a comment they think may be harmless can terrorise women. If you notice a woman being harassed, show your support – it can be as simple as standing between a woman and the harasser.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Spot on!

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

Thank you for posting this article, Cmoi ! And for the quotes, MissUnderstanding !

One thing to also keep in mind: Remember that most of the abusers/harassers are men we know! The guy who jumps out of the bush is very, very rare. It's more likely the boyfriend, partner, uncle, etc. So, men, also learn to speak to them!!! Thank you!

[Reggiegirl Graduate]

Thank you for posting this. I spoke to my husband and son last year about just this. My husband was really shocked as some of the advice just never occurred to him. He now always crosses the road and speeds up, even if it’s out of his way, or slows right down/ takes an alternate route.

[RUNDMC1 Graduate]

I too read this with great interest. When the clocks go back, the latest I go out is straight after work (5.30pm) I stick to the main roads and don’t listen to music, it shouldn’t be this way.. thank you for highlighting this issue