Why did my mother have to tell a 10 year old girl to get out of the lift on any random floor if a man gets in and gives me off vibes? Whenever I enter a lift, I have to check whether I'm the only girl inside. If there are men and just me, then god knows what might happen. It gives me a death scare.
Whether we say it or not, every girl, even today, constantly fears 'what might be done to them'. Does a boy's mother fear what might happen if he goes out with a few girls? Why must I constantly be fearing the random glances I get from men 20 years older than me on the streets? Why must we have restrictions because others can't control themselves?
I often wonder whether my male friends avoid entering a closed space because of a few girls inside... they don't, do they? It scares me, constantly. And nothing I can do to get rid of the fear.
It's not just my problem. It's every girls' in this country. We talk about minority rights, but what about 50% of the country constantly living in fear.
When a guy looks for a gf, all he has to take into consideration is how she looks and what her personality is like. But, a girl? We have to question, if the guy is safe for us. He won't rape us right?
You shouldn’t have to carry that fear. Not at 10. Not now. Not ever.The world still teaches girls how to protect themselves instead of teaching others not to harm.
What might help ?
Share the stories: Let men read, hear, and witness the daily reality girls face.
Be Loud When It Matters.
If your friend is being inappropriate — stop him. Don’t laugh. Don’t stay silent