Societies have evolved, people have embraced new ways of life, but there are still plenty of issues we have to deal with collectively. One of the prominent ones is the treatment of women: from differences in wages to blocks in career paths to, worst of all, the harassment they face on a daily basis. Of course, not every woman suffers from such mistreatment, but since it’s a problem that’s been around for a long time, it’s well worth a discussion. That’s exactly what Twitter user bekah (@spvcecadets) did: she started a thread on how men can help women feel more secure in vulnerable situations, and it deservedly went viral. Best thing is that it goes both ways – think of it as general rules of putting people at ease during a stressful situation.
More info: twitter.com
Women are one of the main demographics that often face harassment
Image credits: Susanne Nilsson (not the actual photo)
This Twitter user started a discussion on how men can help women in vulnerable situations
Image credits: spvcecadets
Image credits: spvcecadets
“If you hear a woman being bothered, walk over and support her,” said the post. It provided a natural way someone might interject into a conversation that was making a woman uncomfortable, with one of the methods being a claim to be a family member or a significant other. This would help take the pressure off, as well as provide security for the woman to easily leave the situation.
Cross the road at night, stand up for the woman who’s being harassed, or simply speak up about a situation
Image credits: spvcecadets
Image credits: spvcecadets
There are many ways a man (or anyone, really) can help women feel more secure. You can do a simple thing like cross the road if you walk behind a woman at night; that way, you don’t have to wonder why she’s constantly looking over her shoulder and the woman would also appreciate the gesture as she won’t have to count your footsteps behind her. Other advice includes speaking up about the issue, especially if you hear someone in your social circles use derogatory terms to speak about women—don’t be afraid to correct them!
These tips, such as not to engage in victim blaming, are helpful to both women and men
Image credits: spvcecadets
While the list of advice can be considered aimed towards women, it’s actually very helpful to men too. It provides enough information for men that they can be preemptive, instead of reactionary, meaning they won’t have to apologize or console a woman if they don’t do anything to startle or intimidate her in the first place.
The pandemic is not time to be lax on making sure you are respectful to women
Image credits: spvcecadets
Image credits: spvcecadets
As a modern nod towards the current pandemic, the user advised men not to wear masks whenever possible—while you have to comply with the rules and regulations of safety (which we wholeheartedly support!) whenever possible, it’s a good idea to take the mask off as it’ll put women at ease. Keeping the face visible is extendable to post-pandemic society too, as it’ll make you seem less intimidating, especially in poorly lit areas.
People jumped into the discussion with their own insights
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