Written by anonymous. Please be aware that this poem contains mentions of sexual assault and rape.
Because I saw an exhibitionist when I was 6
Because someone tried to attract me into the woods when I was 8
Because I started getting catcalled when I was 12
Because I had to stab someone’s leg not to get raped at 14
Because my friend raped me at 15
Because someone masturbated looking at me at 16, 18 and 20
Because “boys will be boys”
Because I heard a woman screaming and I saw people doing their best to ignore it
Because I have to fight men catcalling other girls in the street
Because it has always been normal for boys to be violent
Because men disrespect me and my body
Because I felt forced to have sex with them
Because they have forced me to have sex with them
Because I always lower my music when I pass by a group of men
Because my friend had to give me pepper spray to make sure I would get home safe
Because I cannot walk at night and feel safe
Because I know how to use my deodorant, keys, and lighter as weapons
I am a white European middle-class woman. I am privileged. I lived in the most advanced countries regarding women’s right and equality.
Because all of this I cannot imagine what my trans, coloured, sisters feel.
Because all the women in the world feel unsafe
Because all of this, feminism is still needed and will always be.