Move Freely
Three parties have gotten together in line with International Women’s Day to encourage and to help women move freely #movefreely. I thought this campaign was brilliant linking MyTeksi, Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) whose vision is a create a society that is free of violence against women and Zafigo.com, a website dedicated to ultimately foster a community of travellers who share the experience & joy of travel, from a woman’s perspective. What happens is that RM2 is donated to WAO for every taxi ride using the code WAO.
As a woman, I am constantly on alert. My spider senses are constantly tingling. I make sure my keys are already in my hands before I head to the car park. When I walk, I don’t carry a handbag and have cash in my pocket instead. I don’t put my handbag on my passenger seat when I am driving because the window could be smashed. This has happened to me actually. I am always on the lookout for motor bikes for fear that my bag will be snatched and yes, that’s happened to me too! I have learned to accept this as a state I should live in. This campaign has got me asking “Why should I?”
This situation has hit closer to home recently when a colleague has been threatened with bodily harm, rape and death threats. Colleagues, especially women, are concerned and I’m sure the question whether it can happen to us creeping in. I know it’s a question I have asked myself You see her parents unnecessarily stressed about the safety of their daughter. Everyone’s stressed! I don’t think this will be good for the heart or peace of mind.
As it is, there is inequality for women in the workplace in terms of salaries and opportunities. Do we have to add this to the mix? A basic human right? I really hope the day will come when we don’t need to have this conversation and women can really move freely. So do your bit, catch a taxi and include the promo code WAO. It could save a woman’s life literally.