Protect Our Girls: What We Can Learn From Other Countries About Women's Safety
Years ago, fueled by frustration and a desire for a radical shift, I penned a fiery piece arguing that women, if given the choice, should retreat to an island sanctuary. Here, free from male influence, we would raise our children, cultivate our gardens, and support one another through holistic medicine. It was an extreme reaction to the persistent suppression felt by many women, a sentiment encapsulated by the phrase that, albeit harsh, echoes in the minds of the frustrated: "Men are trash." This feeling resurfaces occasionally, spurred by instances reminding us of the daily vulnerabilities women face.
The mental health crisis in America is alarming, and its roots are complex. Yet, one can't help but notice its intertwined nature with women's safety. Women's mere existence in shared spaces has become perilous, underscored by stories of women altering their routines out of fear or, worse, becoming victims of violence, as was the tragic fate of a teen jogger in Georgia. This reality isn't just an American issue; it's a global concern.
In my personal experiences, the unnerving feeling of being watched or judged during something as simple as a hike is all too familiar. While physical strength may not be everyone's forte, the expectation that men can exercise self-control and respect women's autonomy should not be an unrealistic hope. Yet, here we are, navigating a world where loneliness and inaccessible mental health care exacerbate an already dire situation for women.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the strides made towards gender equality and women's independence. From gaining the right to vote in the 1920s to securing the right to own a bank account in 1974, women have steadily carved out their path to autonomy. This journey has reshaped societal roles, marriage dynamics, and how women approach life, love, and motherhood.
Globally, nations have taken varied approaches to bolster women's rights and safety. In Reykjavik, Iceland, the Gender Equality Act and initiatives like well-lit streets and public CCTV aim to create a safer environment. Singapore's Protection from Harassment Act and Zurich's Swiss Criminal Code exemplify legal frameworks supporting women's safety, complemented by public awareness and stringent law enforcement.
In Toronto, specialized police units and victim support services reflect Canada's commitment to gender equality. In contrast, Vienna's night work prohibition act and Stockholm's gender equality programs illustrate European efforts to safeguard women. Tokyo's Stalking Regulation Act and initiatives to educate on harassment show Asia's contributions to the cause, paralleled by Geneva's focus on community policing and Oslo's gender equality workplace initiatives.
Even in the UAE, laws combating domestic violence and trafficking, alongside initiatives like the Dubai Women Establishment, mark significant progress in the Middle East.
This global perspective underscores a critical message: supporting, encouraging, and equitably treating women not only fosters a safer, healthier society but propels the world toward a better future. Recognizing and enriching the women around us — with support, equal pay, bodily autonomy, and safety in all spaces — can transform our collective existence. It's a reminder that when women thrive, society at large reaps immeasurable benefits.
