On her way back home from work last month, journalist Xena was walking down a deserted street in central Delhi when two men tried to grab her. It took her a few seconds to react to the sudden assault and then Xena fought for her life.
She bit, she screamed, she elbowed, she kicked and sure enough - the two men left her and ran away. She hadn't even seen their faces in the dark.
Knowing there was little she could do about the incident, Xena enrolled for a martial arts programme the next morning. It's only been a couple of days since she began the course but now Xena is confident she can handle any attacker (and kick him where it really hurts).
There had been a pepper spray in Xena's handbag but the sudden attack had rendered it useless as she had no time to take it out. Does that mean picking up karate skills is the only way to combat street sexual harassment?
This Women's Day, do visit the Blank Noise Project blog for a cross-cultural chain of shared experiences on sexual harassment.
A female gorilla would have bitten both of their arses.
ReplyDeleteSadly, yes, the combat skills are needed for all women.
ReplyDeletePepper spray in the purse happens here all the time, but unless a weapon is in your hand, it is unlikely to be of use. It also helps if it looks like something that might do some damage, and adds several inches at least to your reach. I've heard some good stories involving self defense with an umbrella, but I prefer a very large and very heavily weighted keyring swinging visibly from my hand.
Laurie from the USA