Not all women

I have seen so many posts about sexism and women’s safety lately that it is making me blue. I have to write this now just to set the record straight.

There are places in the world where women aren’t afraid of men.
I’m female. In my 24 years of life, I have accepted rides from strange men. I have never carried my keys in my hands as a weapon. I walk on dark streets at night and my only worry is if I’m going the right way. I used to leave the door unlocked all the time, despite living alone – and the only reason I don’t anymore is because my neighbor is a crazy woman. Once in my life, once, I have been told I could not do something because I am a woman. Once in my life, I have had guys whistling at me on the street.

My point is: not all women. Not all women fear for their lives when around men. Not all women jump when a guy raises his voice. Why? Because we don’t have to. Because we live in safe places.

Men aren’t born to hurt women, it is not an instinct that cannot be repressed.

My point is: it is possible. It is possible for women to not be afraid all the time. It is possible to feel safe in your own home. It is possible to not fear for your life when walking on the street/ taking public transportation/ taking a cab. It is possible. And it is possible for you too.

I don’t know what it feels like to always be afraid, and I hope I never will. I hope years from now your grandchildren will never know the fear you live with. I hope someday, all of us together, scared or safe, male or female, can change this. The first step is to know that change is possible. Change is possible.