Hello, Ruminators!

When we speak of the multifaceted forms of abuse women face on a daily basis in their homes, workspaces, schools and in our society, we obviously know that it is not all men who are perpetrators and perpetuate abuse. We know that it is not all men who are abusers, rapists, chauvinists and misogynists. It is however enough men to keep all women in constant chronic fear. It’s enough men that make all women position themselves in an unobtrusive place or corner, lest a man she may or may not know harms her.

A Woman cannot discern a man who may rob her, grab her and coerce her into getting in his car to God knows where and do with her only God knows what, from a man who may walk behind her only with the intent of ensuring that she gets home safely. He could perhaps be a stalker. Women don’t hold a gauge to a man’s degree of goodness and sinister intentions. She doesn’t know you therefore she doesn’t trust you.

Women would rather be overly cautious than give men the benefit of the doubt at the expense of their lives, which could result in horrible consequences they have to bear the brunt of. It doesn’t help men nor does it help women for a person to give a ” not all men” as a response. How many times have women pretended to text or be on a call with someone in an attempt to avoid passing next to any man they feel uncomfortable around?

These conflicting thoughts in my head as a woman, are reaffirmed when I look at the ever-increasing number of femicide cases in South Africa. This public street harassment limits women’s rights to free movement. As a person who frequently uses public transport, I’ve become wary of getting into a taxi with men only. Can you blame me?

Please ruminate and share your thoughts or experience of either having walked alone at night or during the day, your fears around or passing through a group of men and let us know how you felt and how you managed to get out of that situation.

#RuminateAndReflect

Love, Katli