Five Simple Ways to be a Male Ally
I gotta tell ya, guys. We women can’t keep ourselves safe alone. We need help. Do you want to know what women want? We want to be safe.
I know, it’s not all men. But here’s the thing: We can’t tell. And let's face it, gents...neither can you. If you think that you know if your buddy is no danger to women because “he’s a good guy,” I’ll guarantee that you haven’t seen him behind closed doors the way that we have.
The statistics are bad. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women in the U.S. will be raped at some point in their lives, and a staggering 1 in 3 in three women globally will experience some form of sexual violence. The next time you’re in a group with three women, consider that at least one (or more) of them have been victimized. Now, we know that not all men are part of the problem, but all men can definitely be part of the solution.
The Two C's: Consent and Communication
Men keep asking us how they can tell what women want and how far to go. It’s easy: It’s the two C's: Consent and Communication. Consent isn't just a one-time checkbox; it's an ongoing process. Every time until she tells you to stop asking. It's like Netflix asking if you're "still watching" every three episodes. You need to continually check in to make sure everyone is still on board.
Master the Art of Active Listening
Active listening isn't just for therapists or hostage negotiators. By genuinely hearing what a woman is saying, you validate her experiences and concerns. Active listening is the Swiss Army knife in your toolbox of "How to Make Women Feel Safe 101."
Not All Heroes Wear Capes: The Bystander Effect
If you see something, say something—or better yet, do something. Help us out. Studies show that when bystanders intervene, the incidence of harassment decreases significantly. You don't need to be Captain America, just a decent human being.
Elevator Etiquette: More than Just Pushing Buttons
An elevator can feel like a steel cage match. We train women to step out of the elevator if they’re alone with a man. Men, you can help by giving space, maybe stepping out to let someone off first. It's like holding the door open, but with vertical movement.
Stats Don't Lie: The Importance of Education
According to a study by Stop Street Harassment: 68% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment in a public space like a street, park or store, and 38% experienced harassment at their workplace or school. Education can help lower these numbers. Attend workshops, read articles like this, or, you know, just listen to women. Speak up, help us out!
Creating a safer environment for women isn't about grand gestures or dramatic showdowns. It's about small, everyday actions that make a big difference. By using these tips into your daily life, you're not just helping women feel safer—you're setting a new standard for what it means to be a man in today's world.
