By Chaima Kenache, Content Team Contributor.
A study has found that society frequently shifts the blame onto women, instructing them to adapt their lives to avoid bad situations instead of holding predators accountable (Fawcett Society, 2024). Women often feel scared and unsafe as they face pressure outside the home from people who do not respect boundaries.
The need to respect boundaries is critical. One in two women aged between 16 and 34 experienced a form of harassment in the last 12 months, and 38% of women in this age bracket reported being followed, catcalled, or subjected to jokes (www.gov.uk, 2022).
In London, a study by Plan International found that 63% of young women have faced street harassment (Plan international, 2024).
Women often alter their routes or avoid certain areas to feel safer. This widespread insecurity leads to women feeling extremely vulnerable and leading to feelings of nervousness outside the house.
To ensure women feel safe walking outside, several measures can be implemented. Education programs in schools and communities can promote respect and gender equality by teaching the importance of respect for others. Additionally, well-publicised reporting systems for harassment and violence can support women in reporting incidents promptly.
Fighting the influence of beauty influencers and unrealistic standards, societal pressures, especially from influencers and media, exacerbate anxieties. A survey by Girl-guiding found that 61% of girls aged 11–21 feel the need to be perfect, often blaming social media for this (GirlGuiding, 2024). Beauty influencers may promote unrealistic body ideals, distorting perceptions of normalcy and feelings of inadequacy.
Fighting the influence of beauty influencers and unrealistic standards involves promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills. An emphasis on self-esteem, and diverse representations of beauty will help encourage open conversations about self-image and help people to seek support.
NHS Choices in the UK offers advice on mental well-being (nhs.uk, 2024). Trusted doctors, school counsellors, and youth support services can provide tailored support. Women who fear going out or walking alone can call the No Panic Helpline at 0300 7729844, available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
By fostering a supportive and informed environment, women are able to navigate their emotional growth with confidence and resilience. This counters the harm from unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by influencers and the media.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/creating-an-offence-of-public-sexual-harassment/public-sexual-harassment-consultation#:~:text=One%20in%20two%20women%20aged,that%20they%20were%20being%20followed
