Women cannot be argued into feeling safe

Over the past two months, nine women's bodies have been discovered in and around Ekurhuleni, leaving communities fearful of a potential serial killer. However, police have not confirmed the murders are linked. The police's warning to women to take precautions has sparked anger, with some arguing it unfairly places the responsibility on women rather than the perpetrators.

Women feel frustrated with the idea that they must continually adapt to the violence, while others question why the message is directed at them instead of the men committing these crimes. This leads to a larger conversation about the collective efforts to combat violence against women. Women have organized and protested other injustices, yet they feel a lack of similar determination when it comes to addressing violence within their own communities.

Historical comparisons highlight the contrast between women's response to violence against them and the collective action seen during the struggle against apartheid. The article emphasizes that men who do not abuse women have fulfilled their basic obligation, but it doesn't automatically make them allies. The responsibility lies in addressing the patterns and behaviors that enable such violence.

Instead of solely focusing on individual actions, the focus should be on supporting women, teaching boys to respect boundaries, and holding institutions accountable for responding to violence. The article concludes by urging men to be active allies, showing that a commitment to change goes beyond mere statements and requires tangible actions to support women in their efforts to ensure their safety.