Take Back Your Space: Creating A Safer Running World For Women

Women the world over battle with constant harassment and the threat of attacks while trying to run or exercise outdoors.

A new adidas survey involving 9000 runners from nine different countries found that 92% of women are concerned for their safety when going for a run.

The adidas survey found:

• 51% of women are afraid of being physically attacked, compared to 28% of men;
• Over a third (38%) of women have experienced physical or verbal harassment,
• Of those who experienced physical or verbal harassment, over half received unwanted attention (56%), sexist comments or unwanted sexual attention (55%), or have been honked at (53%) or followed (50%).

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SA women at risk

In South Africa alone, a survey conducted by 1st for Women found that as many as 79% of South African women felt unsafe while running or jogging.

This shockingly high statistic means that running or exercising in public spaces is a freedom that most women are denied due to safety concerns.

“International research highlights the increased threat of physical harm or harassment for female joggers. It’s important to bear in mind that, shocking as this is, the data may not tell the full story as an alarming number of cases go unreported,” says Seugnette van Wyngaard, Head of 1st for Women.

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Take back your space safely

“The issue needs to be highlighted so that women can take back their space,” van Wyngaard says. She outlined the following safety tips for women joggers:

Join the Women for Change campaign: Founded in 2016 by Sabrina Walter, this website encourages women runners to participate in virtual races and funds raised through entry fees are used towards charities such as Rape Crisis and the Tears Foundation.

Be aware of your surroundings: Headphones are great for playing tunes that help motivate you while running but they can also block out surrounding sound that could alert you to danger. Try to keep your headphone volume low if you feel you must use them. 

Stay in contact: Let someone know when you are going to be running and what route you will be following. You can also check in with them at the end of your run with a simple text message. 

Vary the times of your runs: Attacks while you are running are often spontaneous attacks when a perpetrator spots an opportunity. However, predictable patterns are also a safety concern. Try to have some variation in the timing of your runs and avoid running when it is dark or in isolated areas. You could run an hour earlier or later and change up your routine when it comes to the days of the week when you choose to run.

Carry a whistle: You can buy a sports whistle from R60 to R130 and having it on a lanyard around your neck means you can raise the alarm quite quickly if you feel unsafe. The loud noise may also startle your attacker into running away.

Use an app to call for help: Alternatively, there are various mobile or app-based panic buttons available, including the 1st for Women panic button, which you can use in any emergency situation where you feel unsafe.

Run in a group: There’s safety in numbers.

“These are all small steps you can take to ensure your personal safety while keeping your running practice on track,” van Wyngaard concludes.