A plan to equip girls with self-defence techniques against being molested should be hailed as one of the apt solutions to a problem that continues to pose a challenge to society.

Because most women are not physically strong enough to defend themselves from men who rape them, it becomes difficult for our society to end this widespread vice. It also does not help that society frowns upon allegations of rape, especially when raised against people perceived to be respectable members of society.

There are also numerous instances of police officers mocking victims of rape or refusing to take their cases seriously.  All of this goes a long way in rolling back efforts to end this vice.

In the face of such a conservative approach in society, therefore, it is left to the potential victims of rape, and those who have already gone through the ordeal, to find ways and means to protect their interests.

We recognise that victims of this vile behaviour might not always have the ability to defend themselves physically for various reasons, including age.

It is for this reason that we demand civility from men, who are the greatest offenders, and urge them to learn the virtue of self-control as well as recognise and accept rejection.

Men should not look for ‘signals’ where there are none. It is wrong to assume that women sometimes say “no” when they mean “yes”.

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites