The Right to Walk

“Make sure you’re home before the sun sets.” This is a phrase I have been familiar with since I was about 7 years old. My mother gave this instruction to my then - teenage sisters as they made their way out of the house to see their friends. These words followed me into my teen years and now adulthood. Spreading words of caution to young women and girls seems like a smart and thoughtful way to ensure our safety, but the need for these words of caution places the responsibility of staying safe on those being targeted, keeping those who target unaccountable.

When I began my first semester at college I received a key chain as a gift which includes an extremely loud alarm, a window breaker and of course a fluffy pink pom pom in order to remain fashionable. The need for key chains which contain multiple self defense tools advertised to young women reveals how girls being in danger isn't a one time occurrence, but an expected part of society.

 We can prepare girls with precautions, but these preparations become synonymous with a lack of freedom. For example, wearing a short skirt invites the possibility of danger, so suggesting girls wear clothes that cover our bodies is supposed to be a way we can prevent ourselves from being hurt; however, when we concedeand change parts of ourselves in order to survive in a dangerous world, the power is given to the flawed world, and continues to be taken from us. 

While speaking to my circle of female friends, conversations involving feeling unsafe while walking alone come rather naturally. My friend and former classmate Eliza Menlove explained how she walks alone: “I walk with my keys between my knuckles and avoid looking down at my phone, usually hood on and good posture.” The need to be hyper aware of our surroundings breeds a continuing cycle of mistrust in the world around us. This makes women’s strength underestimated, and the good intentions of others seemingly nonexistent. Another friend and MSU student Brytan Rogers shared, “I started getting people to follow me to my parking spot so they could drive me back. It’s pretty scary when you are all alone and it’s super dark. Campus does a good job of having lights along the sidewalks but it’s still scary. I do have pepper spray but also hold my keys between my fingers. I’m constantly hyper aware of who is around me and can’t just enjoy a walk.” Feeling safe when walking alone at night as a woman is a luxury, when it should be a right. 

 Accepting the world for what it is eliminates the possibility for positive change; which can occur if we take proactive steps. Students can download the Safe Cats app, which provides a variety of resources to ensure the safety of students. This app includes the option of calling a campus police escort or informing a friend of your location. 

 Providing classes and holding campaigns on campus would provide proper education about campus safety, preparing students with awareness and tools to become invaluable members on the path to change. This will create a generation of young people who are thoughtful in their actions, compassionate with their words and motivated to make the world a safer place.