Ways women can protect themselves in our modern day society

Many, if not all women, adopt daily behaviours in order to feel safer completing their everyday activities. These actions become second nature to us and only when you take a step back you realise the burden women have on themselves to keep them safe. Some of these things, men may not even consider simply because they’re in a safer situation.

The death of Sarah Everard caused an outpouring of grief and anger; women realised how often they have experienced feeling unsafe whilst walking home. It is a rare occasion to walk anywhere even in broad daylight without being catcalled at least once. Men beeping, whistling and even shouting at you as you walk past is something we just brush off because it happens so often. The fear of walking past a group of men is something women are all too familiar with. The list below is a few ways you can make that walk just that little bit safer.

Using the Life360 app:

Walking home alone should always be avoided but sometimes it is inescapable. Life360 is a free app that allows you to share your location with a group of friends even when you’re not using your IPhone. The app will give you a notification once your friend or family member has arrived home; if their battery is running low the app will inform you.

Always take the better lit route home:

This may seem like an obvious one but it is crucial. If you can see your surroundings you will be more aware most likely have a better chance of knowing if there is trouble around. If you see people approach, you should call someone or pretend to call someone just for the sake of it as you’re less likely to be approached.

Always take a comfortable pair of shoes:

Aside from the obvious comfort benefit, wearing trainers to walk home will get you home so much faster and if something happens and you need to run you are able to.

Never ever take your eyes off your drink:

If you’re going to the bathroom and don’t want to take your drink with you then always leave it with a friend you trust will look after it. When you have it yourself, never take your eyes off it when new people come over.

In an ideal world, society will change and women can walk home alone safely without having to worry about these things but for now we have to take care of ourselves and our loved ones by taking these safety steps.