#SheWasJustGoingForARun

Originally Written January 19th, 2022.

Unfortunately, despite there being various devices, self-defense classes, and tik-tok life hacks that have been made available to us, men are potential threats until proven otherwise.

Systemic change comes from taking accountability, and deconstructing patriarchal privilege and inequalities, which fuel cycles of abuse, trauma, and in the (recent) cases of Sabina Nessa, Sarah Everard and now Aisling Murphy - murder.

• ALL Men should take responsibility in not only seeing their privilege, and autonomy (which we also posses), but using that to be an ACTIVE ALLY, and in leaving women alone.

• A woman that is walking/standing/sitting/being alone is NOT an invitation for men to intimidate or assault us.

• A woman’s education or job role is not a platform for men to MANSPLAIN what they THINK they know about our own expertise.

• An act of violence does not permit you to DISCREDIT one’s experience of trauma incurred.

• What we wear is NOT justification for sexual harassment.

• Our sexual history AND activity are NOT invitations for rape, sexist shaming culture or better yet - your business.

• Going for a run is NOT an invitation for murder in broad daylight.

We've been told to walk in groups, call a trusted person, go out ONLY during the day, have emergency money, watch how much we drink, what to wear, and how to politely let a man down. It is enough.

The solution lies with ALL men to change the repeated cycle of unwarranted violence against women. Not all Men? ALL Men have a responsibility towards this, and ALL men MUST act now.

ALL MEN MUST ADVOCATE FOR, AND RESPECT WOMEN.

Instagraphics alone won't be enough, and neither will dismissive rebuttals such as “not all men”.

#SheWasJustGoingForA Run, for goodness sake.

Originally Written January 19th 2022.