Telling men to ‘educate themselves’ won’t make women safe

Sarah Everard’s disappearance has sent shockwaves throughout the capital. The case has led to women sharing stories of how they don’t feel safe walking the streets at night. One Green party peer has said men should face a curfew until things change. Others have called for men to ‘educate themselves’ about the fears women face in the wake of this tragic story. But is this really the right approach? I’m not convinced.

What is clear is that Sarah Everard did nothing wrong. Returning from a friend’s house on that fateful night, she wore bright clothing, she walked down a main road, she called her boyfriend on her way back.

For women, decisions about personal safety are a part of everyday life. I asked a close group of female friends what precautions they take and the list is endless: don’t listen to music through headphones, carry a rape alarm, cross streets regularly, send their location, call someone, only walk down well-lit streets, don’t wear heels, carry your keys between your fingers.