Women have been grappling with gender equality and women's rights for many years. The recent death of Sarah Everard has sparked a worldwide conversation on the neglect and mistreatment of women.
Statistics show that more than four fifths of young women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment (information gathered from a survey for UN women UK). 96% of those who completed the survey did not come forward and report their experiences with sexual harassment, with a high percentage believing that it would not have made a difference as they believe nothing would have been done. This was a shocking statistic and an eye opener to others unaware and misinformed on gender issues.
The recent death of 33 year old Sarah Everard was the catalyst for protests and debates regarding women’s rights and the safety of women. Sarah Everard was reported missing after disappearing whilst walking home from a friends house in Clapham, south London, on the 3rd March. Just over a week later, her remains were found in Kent, with a metropolitan police officer being charged with her kidnap and murder. The shocking and disturbing news of Sarah Everard touched millions, unfortunately feeling close to home for far too many.
Many surveys over the years have reported high percentages of women stating that they are afraid to walk alone, particularly during the nighttime. And with the news of Sarah Everard’s death, many women are now even more fearful of walking alone and are left wondering who it is they can truly trust.
On 13th of March a vigil was held on Clapham Common paying tribute to Sarah Everard. Even the Duchess of Cambridge paid her respects to the 33 year old at the vigil, highlighting the severity of the situation and the wide scale impact Sarah Everard's death had across the country. However, police have received criticism after women were handcuffed and removed from crowds during the vigil, despite it being a calm and peaceful event.
Many schools and colleges across Buckinghamshire partook in wearing colours such as red and pink, and hanging posters and signs around schools in support of, and in order to raise awareness of sexual harassment towards women. These have all been events organised by students in response to the Sarah Everard case, highlighting the change that all generations wish to see happen.
Sexual harassment towards and the mistreatment of women has been an issue faced by many for countless years. People are continuing to spread awareness and are attempting to do all they can to make streets safe for women. As communities we must all begin to work together in order to make our streets safe for everyone.
