The Male Perspective

Tragic events bring out the best and worst in people. How can we help and support women in 2021?

by LEWIS HUSSEY

s this pandemic draws

Ato a close, the world will hopefully return to normal. Although the lockdowns, mask wearing and social distancing of the past year might be discarded and maybe even forgotten in the future, it is important that we do not forget the lessons we have learnt.

In my opinion, the recent, tragic death of Sarah Everard brought out the best and worst in people. On the one hand, there were people who understood what had to be done; people who instead of imposing their opinion on the debate in order to undermine it, listened to the important voices and stories of the women around them which were vital in combating an issue that is prevalent in the 21st century but shouldn’t be. On the other hand there were people who, when faced with the facts and the “These protests are not antimale, nor in any way attempting to villainise our gender. These protests are taking place because in 2021 women feel threatened when walking alone.”

figures about the experience of those who had been assaulted, hid behind the phrase “not all men” without really understanding the movement’s purpose. These protests are not anti-male, nor in any way attempting to villainise our gender. These protests are taking place because in 2021 women feel threatened when walking alone, women feel the need to change plans just to be safe and women feel they have to carry pepper spray on a night out. The fact that in 2021 these issues are still a normalised part of society, demonstrates that these protests are necessary and our work is not done.

This begs the question of how as men we can help. We can help by understanding the problem, listening to those who have been affected and challenging those who are being threatening or aggressive. Although “not all men” are guilty of this behaviour, all men are needed in combating this issue and making the world a safer place.