College Voices
Women Speak Out About Their Efforts to Feel Safe When Running
Acts of self-protection most women do instinctively were brought into a global conversation when Amanda Deibert, a writer for TV and comic books, posted her thoughts about women’s safety on Twitter. Her post was inspired by a topic brought up in a Facebook group she was a part of. Her post immediately went viral and has received over 1.8 thousand comments responding to her question.
In the post, Deibert asked women to describe what they use to protect themselves and make themselves feel safe when they are out running. She was not expecting to have such a multitude of responses just hours after the post.
One of my mom groups has a thread that is just women listing and recommending which kind of protection they take when them when they go out running (Ie. pepper spray, alarm necklaces, whistles, etc) in case you wondered what being a woman is like
— Amanda J?y Deibert ?️?? (@amandadeibert) May 29, 2019
Women from all over the world have replied to Deibert’s question with their personal safety tactics and tools. There has been a vast range of objects mentioned, such as pocket knives, rape whistles, panic buttons and hammers. Many also mentioned running with their dogs. Other women commented that they often avoid specific streets that they find unsafe or on which they have encountered threats in the past.
A follower of Deibert using the twitter name, Conlee commented the following:
my dad got me a panic alarm that is supposed to stun attackers and also has a flashlight on it pic.twitter.com/Y8I5aCxFz6
— conIee (@shallowcure) May 29, 2019
Another follower, Bri Ekanem tweeted:
I used to joke about always wanting to run “without witnesses,” but I’ve read and heard about so many women being attacked and even killed while running so now I make an effort to run in public spaces, only when it’s light out and I change my routes each time.
— Bri Ekanem (@Bri_Eka) May 30, 2019
Shane Greer, a male supporter, acknowledged the fear women have when out alone.
I also run often with a female friend and safety is a topic that always comes up. Just by my being there she is and feels safer, which is so depressing. It’s such a stark reminder that while I personally have never had to consider safety, she does every time she goes out the door
— Shane Greer (@shanegreer) May 29, 2019
Men have also commented on the thread saying that they had not even realized how much women have to think about each time they go out for a run. Based on their comments, men don’t need to prepare at all before they go out, and instead, they just go for a run.
Having a mode of protection is an essential part of a woman’s daily routine. Deibert’s twitter thread has given women a chance to discuss ways in which they protect themselves. The thread has not only created a compelling conversation, spread awareness, but has also provided a different perspective to those who may have doubts about the need for protection.